At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences for residents.
- Company: Join Hamberley, an award-winning care home group with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, bonuses, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity at a luxury care home opening in 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while showcasing 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. Due to the high level of interest we anticipate for this role, we may close this advert earlier than the stated closing date to manage applications effectively. If you're interested in joining us at Hamberley, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Join us at Wargrave's most stunning care home. Thames Wood House Care home is a luxurious care home in Wargrave, Reading, part of the award-winning Hamberley Care Homes - offering luxury care homes in beautiful locations throughout the UK. Residents live in spacious, stylish ensuite rooms, and enjoy beautifully furnished shared spaces and landscaped gardens. From the deluxe picture house - where we screen classic films - to the on-site luxury spa - offering hairdressing, manicures and relaxing therapies - everything has been designed and finished with the care and attention you would expect from a 5-star hotel.
At Hamberley Care Homes, we respect and value our residents and each other. We believe in the importance of what we do and why we do it. Creative and empowered, our people see every day as an opportunity for growth and development. We make ideas happen. Together we can achieve anything.
Be part of something special. Be part of Hamberley.
Care Home Head Chef in Reading employer: Hamberley Care Management Limited
Hamberley Care Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture where kindness and professional pride are at the forefront. As a Head Chef at our luxurious Thames Wood House Care Home in Wargrave, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including a quality-linked bonus scheme, extensive training opportunities, and a true team environment that values your contributions to enhancing residents' dining experiences. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying perks like retail discounts and a rewarding referral programme.
Contact Details:
Hamberley Care Management Limited Recruitment Team
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 way, you can show how your passion for exceptional care aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Be ready to discuss your culinary expertise and how you can create nutritionally balanced menus. Maybe even prepare a sample dish to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Think of examples where you've successfully managed a kitchen team. Highlight how you inspire others and maintain a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to engage with the residents! Share your ideas on how you would connect with them during mealtimes. This shows you care about their dining experience and well-being.
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 creating exceptional dining experiences!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a head chef, especially in care home settings. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission of providing 'Extra Special, Every Day'.
Be Personable:In your cover letter, don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re looking for someone friendly and approachable, so let us know what makes you tick and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Early:Given the high interest in this role, we recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special at Thames Wood House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamberley Care Management Limited
✨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 inspired your team or handled challenges effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate others, which is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Engage with the Care Home Concept
Familiarise yourself with Hamberley's values and the concept of care homes. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating a warm and welcoming environment for residents. Showing genuine interest in their well-being will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, training opportunities, and how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
