Head Chef in Bushey, England

Job Title:
Head Chef

Location:
Bushey, Hertfordshire

Salary:
£42,424 – £44,348 per annum

Hours:
Full-Time – 37 hours per week (weekdays & alternate weekends required)

Job Type:
Permanent

About the Role

We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced
Head Chef
to lead the kitchen at a well-regarded care facility in
Bushey
. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-driven organisation that provides high-quality care and support services to older adults.

As Head Chef, you will play a key role in ensuring residents receive nutritious, well-presented meals that cater to their individual dietary needs. You will lead a small team in the delivery of daily meal service, manage kitchen operations, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and satisfaction of residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared to a high standard and in compliance with food safety regulations.
• Create and manage seasonal menus that are nutritious, varied, and tailored to meet residents\' dietary needs and preferences.
• Lead, manage, and train kitchen staff to maintain a positive and efficient working environment.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels, place food orders, and manage kitchen budgets effectively.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment in line with HACCP and food hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with care teams to understand individual resident dietary requirements, including allergens, texture modifications, and cultural preferences.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within a care, education, or healthcare environment.
• A passion for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team development and kitchen management.
• Up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene regulations, including HACCP and COSHH.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain).

What\'s on Offer

• Competitive salary with enhanced pay rates for weekends and Bank Holidays.
• 37 hours per week, with no late-night shifts.
• Career development opportunities and recognition of milestones.
• First-class in-house training and support from day one.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support for you and your family.
• Company pension scheme (after 1 year of service).
• Free enhanced DBS check and uniform.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing offers.
• Refer-a-Friend scheme – earn £500 for each successful referral
  (terms apply).

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and supportive organisation where your culinary skills will make a real difference to people\'s lives.

If you\'re a dedicated and experienced chef looking to take the next step in your career, we\'d love to hear from you.