Head Chef - Chaucer House

Head Chef - Chaucer House

Canterbury Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a 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 competitive pay, free DBS check, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while advancing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and relevant food qualifications are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and employee recognition programs available.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

Head Chef – Make a Difference Every Day!

Location: Chaucer House, Canterbury, Kent

Organisation: Avante Care & Support

Are you passionate about creating delicious, nourishing food that truly makes people’s 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Ready to Cook Up Something Amazing?

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Head Chef - Chaucer House employer: Avante Care & Support

Avante Care & Support is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults through compassionate care and nutritious food. At Chaucer House in Canterbury, you will thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment that values your contributions, offers competitive pay, and provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With benefits like flexible working options, access to health services, and employee recognition programmes, Avante is committed to fostering a workplace where you can truly make a difference every day.
A

Contact Detail:

Avante Care & Support Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Chaucer House

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Avante Care & Support's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting older adults will help you align your passion for food with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in catering for specific dietary needs, especially for elderly residents. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed menus that cater to various cultural and religious requirements in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively managed a kitchen team. Discuss any training or mentoring you've provided to staff, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.

✨Tip Number 4

Research current trends in nutrition and elderly care. Being knowledgeable about the latest dietary guidelines and how they apply to older adults can set you apart and show your commitment to providing the best care through food.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Chaucer House

Leadership Skills
Menu Planning
Food Hygiene Knowledge
Elderly Dietary Needs Understanding
Team Management
Communication Skills
Creativity in Meal Presentation
Flexibility and Adaptability
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Cultural Sensitivity
Reliability
Cooking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef at Avante Care & Support. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially how they cater to the dietary needs of older adults.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in running a kitchen and managing a team. Emphasise any qualifications related to food hygiene and elderly dietary needs. Make sure your CV reflects your friendly and flexible approach to work.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference through food. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create nutritious meals and lead a team effectively.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Avante Care & Support

✨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 plan menus that are not only nutritious but also considerate of cultural and religious preferences.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Have thoughtful questions ready about their kitchen 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.

Head Chef - Chaucer House
Avante Care & Support
Location: Canterbury
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

A
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>