Head Chef in Eastbourne

About the Role

As a Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. It’s a quality that touches every part of life in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. You’ll have the opportunity to give something meaningful back to Residents through your care and commitment.

You’ll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that Residents will genuinely enjoy. You’ll ensure every dish supports health and wellbeing, considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements. With hygiene and safety always front of mind, you’ll manage the kitchen efficiently — overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP. You’ll work closely with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation. You’ll also help shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences.

We’re looking for someone with:

• An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• A good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Beyond qualifications, we value energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others. You’ll be organised, able to plan ahead, and take pride in delivering excellent service every day. Most importantly, you’ll be kind, considerate, and committed to making our care homes a great place to live — and work.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it is important that you can recognise signs that may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect and know what to do if there are concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word — it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings and nurtures five key qualities — what we call Kindness the HC-One Way:

• We are curious — asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate — walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative — finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous — supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• And we are dependable — people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

We are enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. We’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology — or open to learning. You\\\'ll be supported every step of the way.

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth — opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.

Rewards & Benefits

• Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream — financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online — a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app (available to you and your children under 16)
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
• Colleague discounts — Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
• Wellbeing — free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 365 support).
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
• An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role