Head Chef

Job summary

Head Chef

£45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

40 hours per week (7am - 6pm)

Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH

Role Overview

Willow Lodge is the first in our portfolio to operate the Household Model of Care—a fresh, relationship-led approach built around small, familiar communities of around 12 people within the home. You’re a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress, you have experience working in restaurants and or nursing homes, you have ideas for menus and understand that food is the window to the soul! You have learned alongside another chef, how to manage kitchens, including EHO requirements. However, you’re tired of long days, split shifts, working through into the night and don’t get time at home with the family or to go out with friends.

What if there was a chef role that meant you could utilise all the learning you have had before AND you could forget long hours into the night, you didn’t need to do split shifts and you had the opportunity to bring flair to menus whilst also learning about the nutritional needs of our older population? Would that be something you would love to do? 

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking and growing organisation. As the Head Chef at Willow Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home. You will ensure the kitchens on the individual households are consistently safe, well-led, compliant and audit-ready, achieving 5-star Environmental Health ratings. This strong operational foundation enables the delivery of sector-leading mealtime experiences, meaningful occupation and outstanding lived experience.

The role is central to enabling EQ Care’s Household Model of Care, where food is prepared centrally and cooked, finished and served within individual households. Through inspirational leadership of The Head Chef this role supports Outstanding CQC outcomes, exceptional feedback, sector-leading review scores and a reputation that directly supports sustained occupancy growth across the portfolio.

You will be responsible for the team rota, food ordering, stock control including waste, ensuring that all allergies are recorded and shared with your team.  You will liaise with the people that live on the households and attend resident dining experiences.   The kitchen and food preparation areas need to be kept clean and tidy.  You will also have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety issues, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within the guidelines relating to cross infection.

 Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the team.
• Ensure the team rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, both on-site and off-site, as required.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and cross-infection guidelines.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the households.

Skills, Qualifications and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience within a nursing home / and or restaurant is a must.
• NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work on a 7-day rota which will include alternate weekends 

The Company and Care Home

EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.

Willow Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Willow Lodge.

Benefits of working at EQ Care 

• ½ day off for your birthday – start your celebrations early!
• Blue Light Discount Card – access exclusive savings and offers.
• 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) – enjoy a healthy work-life balance. 
• Salary advance scheme (Level) – access earned pay when you need it.
• Contributory pension – helping you plan for your future.
• Dedicated Learning & Development – continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• Team member rewards – recognising and celebrating your hard work. 
• Free meals on shift – enjoy a meal on us while you work.
• Free tax review service – making sure you keep more of what you earn. 
• Refer a friend scheme – earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)

Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK, with at least 14 months remaining on your visa. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

** This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice