Head Chef

Job summary

Head Chef
Location: Felpham, Bognor Regis
Hours: 42 hours per week (08:00–18:30). The rota alternates weekly:

• Week 1: Two weekdays off, working Saturday and Sunday
• Week 2: Monday to Friday only, with the full weekend off

Salary: £15.96 per hour

• Time-and-a-half (£23.94/hr) for authorised additional hours
• Time-and-a-half for working Bank Holidays
• Double time if rostered to work Christmas Day or New Year’s Day

The Role

Oakland Court is a reputable residential home located in Felpham, Bognor Regis, and we are currently seeking a Head Chef to join our committed team. As Head Chef, you will lead the catering provision, ensuring residents enjoy nutritious, well-balanced, and appealing meals that meet individual dietary needs and preferences. You will manage the kitchen team, oversee food safety standards, and maintain high levels of cleanliness and organisation. To succeed in this role, you will hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification (or equivalent), have strong knowledge of allergens and IDDSI, and bring proven experience of cooking for 40+ covers, alongside effective team leadership. In return, we offer 30 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), a workplace pension, a uniform provided, paid training, a Health Cash Plan after 6 months, and enhanced pay for bank holidays. Appointment to the role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver varied daily menus, including a 3-course lunch and dinner service for residents.
• Liaise with the Registered Manager to ensure catering provision meets residents’ needs and complies with Company policy and CQC standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and coordinate kitchen staff, including training, induction, and rota planning.
• Monitor and manage catering budgets, stock levels, ordering, and regular audits.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control.
• Carry out regular stock rotation and maintain accurate kitchen records.
• Lead and support kitchen assistants and hosts, ensuring teamwork and continuity of service.
• Provide catering for special occasions, including summer and Christmas parties, and other events.
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, safe, and hazard-free, following the cleaning schedule and participating in deep cleans when required.
• Keep up to date with policies, procedures, and training relevant to the role.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and mandatory training sessions.
• Always maintain confidentiality in line with company policies.

Benefits

• Enhanced pay for weekends, Bank Holidays, and overtime
• Sick pay benefit scheme
• Paid breaks
• Healthcare benefits
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Home & Electronics Scheme
• Paid DBS checks
• Blue Light discount package (travel, leisure, entertainment, and more)
• Uniform provided
• Performance bonuses
• Paid induction and training time
• Ongoing professional development
• Regular supervision and appraisals
• Funded qualifications and training sponsorship
• Clear career pathways
• Pension contributions
• Long service awards
• Refer-a-friend scheme

To Apply

If you believe you are a suitable candidate and would like to work at Oakland Court, please submit your application.

This position is NOT open for transfer or sponsorship.