Head Chef - Care Home

Job summary

Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance? If you are keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and high standards, Barchester is the place to be!Your Benefits and RewardsWorking days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a weekRewarding Excellence' bonus where you will be financially rewarded up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspectionUnlimited access to our Refer a Friend' scheme, earning up to £500* per referralAccess to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts with big brands, supermarkets and travel companiesFree access to medical specialists, who are on hand for a second opinion if you need itConfidential and free access to counselling and legal servicesTax Code Review Service to check you're on the right code and paying the right level of taxOption to join our monthly staff lottery alongside your colleagues nationwideYour Experience and Qualifications A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or

Main duties of the job

The Head Chef position at Barchester Healthcare involves working within a care home environment, focusing on delivering high-quality, nutritious meals tailored to individual residents' preferences and dietary needs. The role promises a work-life balance with working days being 4/5 days a week, including alternate weekends. Chefs are invited to participate in the Barchester Chef Academy to refine their skills and learn new techniques. Key duties include leading the kitchen team, menu development, working with fresh produce, baking, assisting front of house, stock control, and maintaining high performance standards. The company offers extensive benefits such as financial bonuses for excellence, a Refer a Friend scheme, and access to medical specialists and counselling. Candidates must hold relevant culinary qualifications, demonstrate a warm and personable approach, and have experience with seasonal food and dietary requirements. Barchester emphasizes quality, standard, and the personal development of its chefs.

About us

Barchester Healthcare is an organization that prioritizes high standards and quality in its care services, focusing on providing the best possible experience for its residents and staff. With a commitment to the development of their teams, Barchester offers opportunities such as the Chef Academy, which allows their culinary staff to enhance their skills and knowledge continuously. They believe in creating a supportive work environment that ensures employees have access to resources for both personal and professional growth. Barchester is known for encouraging a genuine interest in the well-being of its residents, aiming to deliver person-centred hospitality and exceptional care. They offer numerous benefits and rewards to their workforce, including financial bonuses, discounts, and wellness services to ensure a fulfilling work experience. Barchester Healthcare is driven by the goal of fostering a nurturing and efficient environment for both their residents and staff members.

Details

• Date posted: 03 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £18.64 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
• Reference number: 1522796128
• Job locations: Barchester Healthcare, Bourne, PE10 9TU, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance? If you are keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and high standards, Barchester is the place to be!

Your Benefits and Rewards

• Working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week
• Rewarding Excellence' bonus where you will be financially rewarded up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend' scheme, earning up to £500* per referral
• Access to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts with big brands, supermarkets and travel companies
• Free access to medical specialists, who are on hand for a second opinion if you need it
• Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services
• Tax Code Review Service to check you're on the right code and paying the right level of tax
• Option to join our monthly staff lottery alongside your colleagues nationwide

Your Experience and Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Experience working with a front of house team to ensure the restaurants are set up to a high standard
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework (If new to care, we will train and develop chefs on these techniques)

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required
• Menu development, tailoring around residents to ensure we deliver person-centred hospitality
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked of the highest standards
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
• Assist the front of house team with setting up of the dining areas
• Work within budget, complete regular audits and stock control
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
• Ongoing recruitment and retention
• Managing the performance of the kitchen team and front of house

As a Head Chef at Barchester, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long hours. Our chefs have full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus, whilst also taking ownership of their kitchen and ongoing team development.

We are exceptionally proud of our Barchester Chef Academy, where chefs have the opportunity to learn new techniques and further develop their skills, whilst also sharing their knowledge to support the growth of others across the business. This fantastic academy experience is held throughout the year and is offered to all of our chefs.

Our internal Learning and Development team also offer industry recognised apprenticeships and further qualifications to chefs and hospitality team members who are looking to build upon and/or develop their skills.

Interested? If you are a motivated and dedicated chef who is ready to be part of something special, apply today!

*Terms & conditions apply

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