Head Chef

Job summary

Why join us?

We’re proud of our happy home and are dedicated to creating a place where everyone enjoys coming to work each day.

As well being part of a lively and supportive team, we are surrounded by fascinating residents who also bring so much to our lives every day too.

Benefits of joining our team

 

What we can offer you

 

• £19.23 per hour
• 40 hours per week (5 days a week with one overlapping day each week)
• Weekday and alternate weekends required 
• Enhanced pay on bank holidays
• 28 days annual leave (inclusive of statuary bank holidays)
• Pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff recognition schemes
• Refer a Friend bonus of up to £1000
• I have an idea £50 gift card
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Comprehensive Training and Career Development
• A friendly and supportive working environment 
• Dedicated mental health champions

About the role

 

As our Head Chef you will plan, prepare and cook a wide variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and meet the needs of all of our residents. You'll oversee the day-to-day management of kitchen staff and the smooth running of all kitchen operations; in addition to regularly attending Chefs Forums to keep up to date with group learnings and initiatives.

 

You’ll ensure sufficient food stocks are available and you will be responsible for placing orders with suppliers. Alongside being responsible for all kitchen equipment ensuring it is in full, safe working order, reporting any damage or faults to the Caretaker and Home Manager and following up any appropriate action. You will interact with our residents on a daily basis - so you’ll be friendly, caring and kind whilst respecting our resident’s dignity at all times.

Here’s some other important things you need to know:

• You’ll need to understand and comply with statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health and Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment within the kitchen and dining areas.
• You’ll ensure that all kitchen equipment is in full, safe working order, immediately report any faults to the management team
• Lead, supervise, and develop the catering team through training and day-to-day support.
• Oversee the delivery of a high-quality food service across all floors, carrying out weekly audits and monitoring standards.
• Ensure full compliance with Environmental Health Officer (EHO) requirements, food hygiene legislation, and Safe Food Better Business (SFBB) procedures.
• Plan, create, and deliver varied, nutritious menus that meet residents' dietary needs, including IDDSI-compliant meals.
• Manage food ordering, storage, stock rotation, and stock control to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation, cleanliness, and health and safety.
• Support budget management by minimising waste and controlling food costs

Essential Requirements: 

• Previous experience considered as head chef of Senior Chef, ideally within a care home, healthcare, or similar catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of EHO standards, HACCP, and food hygiene regulations.
• Experience with menu planning, special diets, and IDDSI framework.
• Good leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Competence in cooking, ordering, stock management, and kitchen administration.
• Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification (or willingness to obtain if required)

The Ideal Candidate

 

Exceptional people make an exceptional care home

 

We're looking for people who have a caring nature and want to work as part of an amazing team, surrounded by kindness and fun! For most of the roles in our vibrant care home, you don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be successful as full training is provided.

What we do look for are individuals who share our sense of compassion, care about people’s comfort and happiness and want to make a positive difference to the lives of our treasured residents and team members.

About us and our home

 

Caring for Our Mental Health – Together 

 

At Acorn Court Care Home, we believe a happy, supported team delivers the best care. That’s why we’ve signed the Mental Health at Work Commitment – developed by experts with six essential standards that help us to create a home where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.

From trained Mental Health Champions to our online Wellbeing & Mindfulness Space, we make sure our people have the tools, time, and support they need – because your wellbeing matters here and when we take care of our minds, we can take care of each other and our residents even better