Head Chef - In Care Home in Cambridge

Head Chef Location: Cambridge
Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Salary: £37,440 Per Annum
We are currently looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team within a well-established care home in Cambridge.
This is a full-time, permanent position and would suit an experienced chef with strong leadership skills who is passionate about producing high-quality, nutritious meals and delivering an excellent dining experience for residents.
As Head Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, overseeing food preparation and service, menu planning, stock control and kitchen standards. You will lead and support the kitchen team, ensuring meals are prepared to a high standard while meeting residents' individual nutritional requirements and dietary needs.
Previous experience within a care home or healthcare setting would be highly beneficial, although experienced chefs from other catering backgrounds will also be considered.
Main Duties Taking overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and smooth running of the kitchen.

Leading, supervising and supporting the kitchen team, ensuring duties are carried out effectively.

Planning and preparing varied, balanced and nutritious menus that meet residents' needs and preferences.

Overseeing the preparation and presentation of meals to ensure consistently high standards.

Ensuring all special dietary requirements, allergies and individual nutritional needs are catered for.

Overseeing the preparation of texture-modified meals in line with IDDSI guidelines.

Ensuring meals are prepared to the correct consistency for residents with dysphagia and swallowing difficulties.

Maintaining excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards in line with HACCP requirements.

Managing food ordering, deliveries, stock control, stock rotation and minimising food waste.

Monitoring food costs and ensuring budgets are managed effectively.

Completing and overseeing temperature checks, food safety records and kitchen documentation.

Ensuring all kitchen equipment, storage areas and workspaces are maintained to a clean and safe standard.

Training, mentoring and developing kitchen staff to maintain high standards of food preparation and service.

Working closely with the care and management teams to ensure residents receive an enjoyable and positive dining experience.

Responding to residents' feedback and adapting menus where necessary to improve satisfaction.

Requirements Previous experience working as a Head Chef, Senior Chef or in a similar leadership position.

Proven ability to lead, supervise and motivate a kitchen team.

Experience planning menus and managing food preparation and service.

Experience within a care home or healthcare setting is desirable.

Strong understanding of food hygiene, health and safety and HACCP guidelines.

IDDSI training and experience preparing texture-modified food is essential.

Good understanding of dysphagia, swallowing difficulties and specialist dietary requirements.

Ability to manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets.

Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.

Strong communication skills and a passion for producing quality food.

Relevant Food Hygiene qualification is desirable.

Why IDDSI & Texture Modified Food Training is Important Residents within care settings may require texture-modified diets due to medical conditions that affect swallowing and eating safely.
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring that all texture-modified meals are prepared and presented in accordance with IDDSI guidelines. This is essential to ensure residents receive meals at the correct consistency, helping to reduce the risk of choking while supporting their health, nutrition, dignity and overall wellbeing.
You will also be responsible for ensuring the kitchen team understands and follows the correct procedures when preparing meals for residents with dysphagia and other specialist dietary requirements.
What's on Offer Permanent, full-time position.

Salary of £37,440 per annum.

Opportunity to lead and develop an established kitchen team.

Supportive working environment.

Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Pension scheme and company benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef looking to take the next step in their career and lead a kitchen within a friendly, well-established care home. You will play a key role in ensuring residents enjoy fresh, nutritious and well-presented meals while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety and service.

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