At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences for residents.
- Company: Join Hamberley, a luxury care home dedicated to outstanding resident care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, performance bonuses, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to be part of a brand-new care home opening in 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven head chef experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Be part of something special from the very beginning — register your interest to join the team at our brand-new Thames Wood House Care Home opening in 2026. At Hamberley, we believe that our residents deserve something ‘Extra Special, Every Day’. We're seeking a Head Chef to help us achieve our goals.
As our Head Chef, you will be leading, managing and be accountable for the kitchen team to achieve and maintain an exceptional dining experience for our residents. Thames Wood House, our soon to open luxury care home that provides residential, dementia, and nursing care for older people, you'll be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about the health and well-being of our residents. This role is required to start in August 2026 ahead of the care home opening schedule.
We offer our colleagues:
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- 28 days holiday inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Quality-linked bonus scheme - A performance bonus tied to our CQC quality rating, rewarding you for helping us deliver outstanding care.
- Workplace pension for your future security
- Chefs Forum - meet with culinary professionals for support, opportunities for professional development, networking and training across the business/industry.
- A true team culture - A collaborative, encouraging working environment where kindness, respect, and professional pride are at the heart of everything we do
- Excellent training and career development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health and wellbeing support services
- Everyday saving perks - Access to a wide range of retail discounts and savings
- Free on-site parking
- Rewarding connections - Refer a Friend bonus — earn up to £750 per successful referral because great people know great people.
What you'll be doing:
- Plan and prepare menus that are nutritionally balanced, varied, and cater to individual dietary requirements (e.g., diabetic, vegetarian, allergen-free).
- Lead the kitchen team, ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient environment that meets all health and safety standards.
- Oversee food ordering and stock management, maintaining cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
- Engage with residents to understand their preferences and ensure they enjoy mealtimes.
- Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional atmosphere.
About You:
- We’re looking for people with great organisational and people skills to join our team.
- Proven experience as a head chef, ideally in a care home or healthcare setting.
- Strong knowledge of dietary requirements, allergen management, and food safety standards.
- Leadership skills and the ability to inspire and manage a team.
- A friendly and approachable demeanor with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
- Understanding of care home regulations and requirements is desirable.
- Empathy and a desire to make a difference to the lives of our residents.
- Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast-paced environment.
If this sounds like you and you’re looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact in the lives of others, this rewarding career is for you.
Care Home Head Chef in Reading employer: Hamberley Care Homes
At Hamberley, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing and collaborative work environment where our team members are valued and supported. As the Head Chef at our new Thames Wood House Care Home, you will not only enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package but also have access to exceptional training and career development opportunities, ensuring your professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while being part of a team that embodies kindness, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Home Head Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Hamberley's values and mission. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience as a head chef aligns with their needs, especially around dietary requirements and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food and care! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've created exceptional dining experiences in the past. This will highlight your commitment to making mealtimes enjoyable for residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Home Head Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for residents shine through. We want to see how much you care about providing an exceptional dining experience and how you can contribute to our mission of making every day special.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams, understanding dietary requirements, and any previous work in care homes. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Thames Wood House. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamberley Care Homes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research and prepare a sample menu that reflects the nutritional needs of residents. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to specific dietary requirements, as this shows your understanding of the role and commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about times when you’ve trained staff or improved team dynamics. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively, which is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Engage with the Care Home Concept
Familiarise yourself with Hamberley’s values and the concept of providing 'Extra Special, Every Day' for residents. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this ethos through your culinary skills and by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere during mealtimes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in a care home kitchen, such as managing dietary restrictions or handling food safety issues. Prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
