Head Chef in Milton Keynes

Job Overview

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. Everyone who works here understands that our Residents are individuals, each with their own life stories – and by joining HC-One, you'll have the opportunity to give something meaningful back to them through your care and commitment. This role includes a £1,000 welcome bonus.

Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you'll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals that our Residents will genuinely enjoy. You'll ensure every dish supports our Residents' health and wellbeing, considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements. With hygiene and safety always front of mind, you'll take responsibility for managing 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 play a vital role in shaping mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences. After all, great food in a welcoming environment can make a real difference to our Residents' quality of life.

Qualifications

• 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 your energy, leadership, and 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 Responsibilities

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any 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.

Application Requirements

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.

Benefits

• £1,000 welcome bonus
• Hourly rate 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 and financial wellbeing with 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, providing 24/7 365 support for a whole range of physical, mental and financial issues
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
• An attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role