At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create exceptional, restaurant-quality meals for residents.
- Company: Connaught Care, a luxury care home group focused on culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, career development, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with no late-night shifts and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through the power of food.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous, strong leadership, and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 31200 £ per year.
Working Hours: Bank-As and when required. Some chefs create dishes. You create belonging, dignity, and comfort—beautifully plated, three times a day.
We’re looking for an experienced, inspiring Head Chef to lead the culinary vision at Connaught Care—a luxury, all-inclusive care home group where dining is not a service... it’s a signature, and something that gets people talking! With six elegant homes already open and six more in development, Connaught is one of the UK’s most ambitious hospitality-led care providers. Our residents don’t just eat—they enjoy restaurant-quality dining in a setting where food is memory, identity, and joy.
As Head Chef, you’ll bring creativity, leadership and a deep understanding that every plate you send out is more than just a meal—it’s an act of care.... an experience.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead the kitchen team in delivering exceptional, high-quality meals tailored to a range of tastes, needs, and specialist diets.
- Design seasonal, nutritious menus that reflect both flavour and dignity—working closely with residents to ensure meals feel personal and familiar.
- Champion kitchen excellence: managing hygiene, food safety, stock, and allergen protocols to the highest standard.
- Coach and mentor your team (Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Kitchen Assistants) to maintain a smooth, efficient, and calm working environment.
- Collaborate with the General Manager, other Heads of Departments and care teams to create memorable dining experiences—from themed events to afternoon teas and family occasions.
- Build a kitchen culture of care, consistency, pride, and people-first thinking.
What You’ll Bring:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous in hospitality, fine dining, or high-end care.
- Passion for using food to enhance wellbeing, create comfort, and build connection—especially in later life.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to nurture a happy, high-performing kitchen team.
- A thorough understanding of dietary requirements, food safety, and allergen compliance.
- Creativity, organisation, and an eye for detail—along with the humility to know it’s often the simple things done well that matter most.
Why Connaught?
Because we believe that a great meal can change someone’s whole day. And we know you do too. It can be nostalgic. It can be empowering. We understand better than anyone that food is more than just something you eat.
We don't hire experts and then tell them how to do their job in a micromanage-y way. At Connaught, you’ll have the freedom to lead with heart, the tools to deliver excellence, and a team that sees food as part of the care plan. You’ll work in a beautifully designed, well-equipped kitchen—without the pressures of late-night service or frantic turnaround.
Here, you’ll be supported to Live a Life More Extraordinary, too—with career development, wellbeing initiatives, and a deep appreciation for what you bring to the table (literally and metaphorically). Oh, and also, we’ll pay you really well!
If you’re a chef who leads with pride, cooks with purpose, and believes that food should always feel like home—we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits Include:
- Pay enhancements for Bank Holidays.
- Free on-site meals.
- Free uniform.
- Free DBS check.
- Annual Pay Reviews.
- Continuous training and progression opportunities.
- Annual Health Checks for all staff.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Pension, Childcare, Grocery, EV, and more.
- A personalised financial well-being platform.
- Access to a 24/7 GP.
- An enhanced EAP with up to 10 free counselling sessions.
- Life insurance of up to 4X your salary.
- Access to digital cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Personalised Life and Leadership coaching.
- YuLife rewards - get rewarded to meditate, do puzzles, and exercise.
- An extra day of annual leave for birthdays.
- The option to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- ....and more!
All applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. We cannot sponsor. Due to the nature of the role, this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Head Chef in Hartford employer: Connaught Care Collection
Connaught Care Collection is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassionate care and employee development in the picturesque setting of Havant, UK. With a strong focus on mentoring and continuous training, we foster a supportive work culture where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. Enjoy unique benefits such as health checks and financial well-being programs, making your career with us both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Hartford
✨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 Connaught Care Collection. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Connaught Care Collection
Don't be shy about reaching out to Connaught Care Collection 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 Hartford
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 Connaught Care Collection 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 Connaught Care Collection
✨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!
