Overview
Our brand-new care home, Chatham Waters, is looking for a caring and professional Head Chef to join our team near the Historic Dockyard. We are a luxury, purpose-built home with modern facilities and equipment designed to support both residents and staff.
We are building a ‘One Team’ approach of compassionate, emotionally intelligent people who want to make a real difference. If you are drawn to working with us and value dignity, respect, and genuine connection, we would love to hear from you.
Our home offers beautifully designed spaces, including themed rooms and landscaped gardens, creating a comfortable and engaging place to live and work by the waterside.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head Chef to lead our culinary team in our brand new luxury care home and state of the art kitchen environment, by delivering exceptional dining experiences to all our residents. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive culinary expertise, and a passion for creating innovative dishes. This role offers the opportunity to oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, maintain high standards of food safety and quality, and inspire a talented team of kitchen staff. The Head Chef will play a pivotal role in shaping the restaurant’s culinary identity and ensuring customer satisfaction through excellence in food preparation and service.
Duties
- Lead and supervise the entire kitchen team, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Develop with resident involvement, innovative menus that reflect current culinary trends while maintaining consistency and quality.
- Oversee food production, ensuring dishes are prepared to the highest standards of presentation and taste.
- Manage food safety protocols, hygiene standards, and compliance with health regulations.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure the timely procurement of ingredients and minimise waste.
- Monitor stock levels, order supplies as needed, and control food costs effectively. ensuring strong budget management.
- Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive and professional working environment.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Involve residents in menu planning and attendance at resident meetings.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen area at all times.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared efficiently during busy service periods without compromising quality.
Requirements
- Proven supervising experience within a professional kitchen environment, ideally in a care home setting for a period of time.
- Extensive culinary experience with a strong background in food preparation, cooking techniques, budget management and food presentation.
- Demonstrated team management skills with the ability to motivate and lead a diverse group of staff members.
- Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations, including HACCP certification preferred.
- Experience in menu development, food production, and managing kitchen operations efficiently.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure during peak hours.
- Strong leadership qualities combined with effective communication skills.
- Previous hospitality or restaurant experience is essential; ability to manage high numbers of covers at each meal service.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to shape our menu offerings while leading a dedicated team towards excellence in hospitality.
Pay: £18.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
