Regional Head Chef

Kent | Hybrid Working

Lead Culinary Excellence Across Our Homes

At Crystal Care Collection, we believe exceptional dining is an essential part of exceptional care. Our residents deserve nutritious, beautifully prepared meals that are tailored to their preferences and enhance their wellbeing every day.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Regional Head Chef to support our homes in Kent, providing operational cover, coaching kitchen teams and driving excellence in catering standards across the region.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy developing others while creating outstanding dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Regional Head Chef, you'll provide leadership and hands-on support to our kitchens, stepping into Home Chef roles where required and ensuring residents continue to receive exceptional food and service.

You'll work closely with Home Managers, Lifestyle Teams and Catering Teams to deliver memorable dining experiences, support new home openings, train colleagues and lead catering projects that enhance quality across the organisation.

This is a hybrid role with regular travel throughout Kent and occasional support to other regions when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational cover for Home Chefs, managing kitchen operations and leading catering teams during periods of absence.
• Plan, prepare and oversee the delivery of nutritious, varied and high-quality menus that meet residents' preferences and dietary needs.
• Support the induction, training and ongoing development of kitchen teams across the region.
• Coach colleagues on best practice, food presentation, food safety and efficient kitchen management.
• Support new home openings and wider catering projects across the business.
• Work with Home Managers and Lifestyle Teams to create memorable dining experiences, themed events and resident celebrations.
• Manage catering budgets, stock control and food ordering when providing operational cover.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and company policies at all times.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement across all catering services.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience as a Head Chef, ideally within care, healthcare or hospitality.
• Is passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences for older people.
• Has strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to inspire others.
• Possesses excellent knowledge of food safety, nutrition and kitchen management.
• Is organised, adaptable and able to work across multiple locations.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Holds a full UK driving licence and is willing to travel across Kent and the South East.
• Holds a Food Hygiene Level 3 Certificate

Working Pattern

• Average 38.5 hours per week
• Home Chef cover is typically 7:00am – 6:00pm on a three days on, three days off rota.
• Additional regional projects and support responsibilities make up the remainder of contracted hours.
• Hybrid role with regular travel across Kent and occasional travel to other regions where required.

Pay

• £22.75 per hour

What We Offer

• Permanent contract of employment
• Competitive salary
• Support to complete an NVQ qualification
• Fully funded Enhanced DBS check
• Fully funded uniform
• Paid breaks
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme
• Fully funded Blue Light Card
• Pay Day Breakfast
• Free meal on shift when working in homes
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• The opportunity to influence catering standards across a growing organisation

Join Our Team

If you're an experienced chef who enjoys leading teams, mentoring others and delivering exceptional dining experiences, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact across multiple homes.

Your expertise will help shape our catering standards, support our colleagues and ensure every resident enjoys meals that are nutritious, delicious and prepared with care.

Apply today and become part of the Crystal Care Collection family.

We are currently unable to offer sponsorship.

Our screening and recruitment process is conducted in line with Crystal Care Collection's Safeguarding Policy.

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