Posted 06 November, 2025 Falcon House logo

Head Chef

Falcon House Hertfordshire

Job details

  • Salary £13.00 to £16.00 per hour
  • Role Cook / Chef
  • Hours Full Time
  • Location Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
  • Job Reference carehome.co.uk

Job summary

About Us

Falcon House Care Home is a well-established, family-run residential home that has been providing high-quality care for over 35 years. We pride ourselves on offering a warm, homely environment where residents enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals every day.

We are now looking for a dedicated and passionate Head Chef to join our team and lead the kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, prepare, and cook balanced, home-style meals to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences.

  • Manage and supervise a small kitchen team, ensuring teamwork and high standards.

  • Place and manage food and supply orders, maintain stock levels, and record all deliveries.

  • Maintain all kitchen invoices and provide them to the management team accurately and on time.

  • Ensure food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety standards are met in line with Health & Safety and CQC guidelines.

  • Create seasonal menus and contribute ideas for themed events (e.g., Christmas lunches, summer BBQs, cultural celebrations).

  • Work collaboratively with care staff to ensure residents’ mealtime experience is enjoyable and personal.

  • Keep the kitchen environment organised, tidy, and compliant with all cleaning schedules and audits.

Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Cook, preferably in a care home or similar catering environment.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills with a hands-on approach.

  • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evenings.

  • Knowledge of dietary requirements (texture-modified diets, allergens, etc.) is highly desirable.

  • Food Hygiene Level 3 (or willingness to update qualification).

Why Join Falcon House?

  • Supportive and friendly team environment.

  • Opportunities for training and career growth.

  • A chance to make a genuine difference in residents’ daily lives.

  • Warm, community-focused workplace culture.

Skills / Qualifications:

  • Head Chef
  • Care Home Chef
  • Kitchen Supervisor
  • Menu Planning
  • Elderly Care Catering
  • Food Preparation
  • Nutrition and Diet Planning
  • Allergen Awareness
  • Food Hygiene Level 3
  • Health & Safety Compliance
  • Stock Control
  • Ordering and Invoicing
  • Team Leadership
  • Kitchen Management
  • HACCP
  • NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery
  • Flexible Working Hours
  • Resident-focused Catering
  • Quality Home-Style Cooking
  • Cleanliness and Organisation
  • Food Safety Standards
  • Fresh Ingredients
  • Caring Environment
  • Communication Skills
  • Customer Service in Care Setting

Share this job