Working Hours: 4 days on / 4 days off | 6:30am-6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week
Location: Ferndown, Dorset
Site: Fernhill
Closing Date: 03/12/2026
From £43,675 + paid overtime
4 days on / 4 days off | 6:30am-6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week
Join us at Fernhill in Ferndown, Dorset
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at our Homes in Bournemouth, Poole and up to the Dorchester area . This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills, creating meals that bring comfort, enjoyment and fine dining to our residents every day.
Working in a modern kitchen equipped with high end appliances, you’ll take pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. With nutritious daily menus including freshly baked cakes, your food will play a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. You’ll also take the lead in shaping the dining experience, engaging with residents to understand their preferences and bringing your ideas to life at special events within the home.
As the head of the kitchen, you’ll lead and support both the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and creating a positive, collaborative environment.
Why this role stands out
4 on / 4 off rota posted 4 weeks in advance with shifts finishing at 6:30pm
Fully staffed kitchen with Kitchen Assistants, Kitchen Domestics and Waiting team
Paid breaks and overtime opportunities
Modern kitchen with quality equipment and fresh ingredients
Overtime opportunities available
About you
You’re a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a positive dining experience. You enjoy leading a team, building relationships, and bringing energy and creativity into the kitchen.
A City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef is desirable along with experience in a similar role. You’ll be a car driver and own your own car.
Essential requirement: Business insurance is essential due to travel during work hours
We’re an award-winning, family-owned care home group with an outstanding reputation. All 21 of our homes are rated Good by the CQC, with 7 rated Outstanding. Our success is built on our people and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.
Additional benefits
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from excellent training and support, a contributory pension scheme, free meals on duty, and flexible overtime to suit your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can lead with creativity, make a meaningful impact, and still enjoy your time outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.
Mobile Head Chef - Ferndown, Dorset employer: Colten Care
Colten Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about making a difference in elderly care. With comprehensive training, career development opportunities, and a focus on employee well-being, you will thrive as part of a dedicated team in the beautiful setting of Dorchester, Dorset. Join us to not only share your musical talents but also to create memorable experiences for our residents while enjoying benefits like paid breaks and free meals on duty.
