At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious and appetising meals for residents.
- Company: Amica Care, a charity focused on making a meaningful difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, cycle-to-work scheme, and employee support.
- Other info: Join a caring, inclusive culture where your contribution truly matters.
- Why this job: Shape a new kitchen team and enhance residents' dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experienced catering professional with strong leadership and food safety knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
No agencies please. We will be in touch with you if we need your help.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Amica Care is excited to be opening Greenlands Meadow, our brand-new care home, in August 2026.
We are now looking for a dedicated and experienced Head Chef to lead our catering service and play a key role in creating a warm, welcoming dining experience for our residents.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a new kitchen team from the very beginning, delivering nutritious, well-balanced and appetising meals that support residents\' health, wellbeing, dignity and individual preferences.
The Role
The role provides day‑to‑day leadership of the kitchen team, ensuring the catering service contributes positively to residents\' health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, preparation and delivery of nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet residents\' dietary, cultural and individual needs.
- Create a positive dining experience by ensuring meals are appetising, attractively presented and served on time.
- Develop and review varied seasonal menus, using resident feedback to continually improve the catering service.
- Lead, support and motivate the kitchen team, promoting high standards, teamwork and a professional working environment.
- Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness, infection prevention and health and safety compliance.
- Oversee ordering, stock control, safe food storage and kitchen records, ensuring quality and value for money.
- Work closely with care and nursing colleagues to support residents\' changing nutritional and dietary requirements.
- Support special occasions and events by providing catering that helps residents celebrate and enjoy meaningful moments.
About You
You will be an experienced and confident catering professional, ideally with experience in a care, healthcare or similarly regulated environment.
With a recognised catering qualification, strong food safety knowledge and experience leading a team, you will be able to plan and deliver varied, nutritious menus that meet a wide range of dietary, cultural and individual needs.
We are looking for someone who is organised, calm under pressure and passionate about creating high-quality dining experiences for residents.
You will bring excellent communication skills, attention to detail and a compassionate, resident-focused approach, working closely with colleagues to ensure every meal is safe, enjoyable and thoughtfully prepared.
Why join Amica Care?
At Amica, you\'ll find a caring, inclusive culture where people genuinely matter.
As a charity, we are values-led and focused on making a meaningful difference, while also being committed to playing our part in protecting the environment.
We offer
- A supportive and friendly team environment
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- The satisfaction of knowing your work makes a real difference every day
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU roles
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) free, confidential support for you and your family (wellbeing, counselling, legal advice).
- Early access wage scheme for financial flexibility.
- Long service awards
- A refer a friend bonus of £200.
- A friendly, inclusive and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters.
The closing date for this vacancy is 31st July 2026.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.
Amica Care is a Disability Confident Employer.
Amica Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.
Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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Head Chef in Taunton employer: Amicacare
Amica Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of both its residents and staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and development, alongside competitive benefits like pension schemes and subsidised meals, we foster a friendly and supportive work culture in Plymouth. Join us to not only make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents but also to advance your career in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Taunton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Amicacare. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Amicacare
Don't be shy about reaching out to Amicacare directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Amicacare and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amicacare
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
