At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen team to create nutritious meals for elderly residents.
- Company: Avante Care & Support is a leading charity supporting older adults in care homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy pension contributions, free uniform, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment with flexible working options.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and relevant food qualifications required.
- Other info: All roles require an Enhanced DBS Disclosure; apply today!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
# Head Chef – Chaucer House## Job Introduction### **Head Chef – Make a Difference Every Day!**At Avante Care & Support, we believe mealtimes are about more than just food — they’re moments of comfort, connection, and joy. As a Head Chef, you’ll lead our talented kitchen team to craft meals that bring warmth and happiness to the lives of our residents.—### **What You’ll Do**At our dementia care home, you’ll take pride in designing and delivering nutritious, beautifully presented meals that reflect our residents’ individual tastes, cultural backgrounds, and dietary needs. You’ll:* Lead, inspire, and support a dedicated kitchen team* Plan and prepare menus that are balanced, varied, and seasonal* Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and safety* Ensure every dish is served with care, creativity, and compassion—### **What We’re Looking For**You’ll be a great fit if you have:* Proven experience running a kitchen and managing a team* A strong understanding of elderly dietary needs and food hygiene standards* Relevant catering qualifications (Level 2 or above)* A friendly, reliable, and flexible approach to work—### **What We Offer**We value and invest in our people. When you join Avante, you’ll enjoy:* Competitive pay and free DBS check* Pension contributions and free uniform* Ongoing training & development to grow your career* 24/7 access to virtual GP & counselling services* Life Assurance for peace of mind* Employee of the Month and Sparkle Awards recognition* Exclusive discounts at over 800 retailers—Apply today and bring your passion for food and people to Avante Care & Support. **Closing Date:** **Monday 9 February 2026***All roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. We thank all applicants for their interest; shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.***Location:** Chaucer House, Canterbury, Kent **Organisation:** Avante Care & Support### Head Chef – Chaucer House* **Salary** £15.60 – £15.60* **Frequency** Hourly* **Job Reference** avantecare/TP/118/672* **Contract Type** Full Time* **Closing Date** 9 February, 2026* **Job Category** Catering* **Service/ Department** Residential Care* **Location** Chaucer House, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom* **Posted on** 23 January, 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef - Chaucer House employer: Avante Care & Support Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Avante Care & Support Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Chaucer House
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of elderly residents. Understanding their preferences and restrictions will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss how you motivate staff and ensure high standards in food preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Avante Care & Support and their mission. Being able to articulate why you want to work for a charity that supports older adults will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to menu planning, especially how you would cater to diverse cultural and religious dietary requirements. This shows your commitment to inclusivity and respect for residents' needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Chaucer House
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing a kitchen and understanding elderly dietary needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience running a kitchen and managing a team. Include specific examples of how you've catered to dietary needs and maintained food hygiene practices.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for making a difference through food in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in a care environment, particularly with older adults.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avante Care & Support Ltd.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and how it can positively impact the lives of residents. Share specific examples of how you've created meals that cater to dietary needs and preferences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment. Highlight any successful team projects or initiatives you've led.
✨Understand Dietary Needs
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements of elderly individuals, especially those with dementia. Be ready to discuss how you would approach menu planning to accommodate cultural and religious preferences.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have thoughtful questions ready about the kitchen's operations, team dynamics, and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.