Head Chef

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.

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 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 play a vital role in shaping mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences, creating an environment that enhances our Residents’ quality of life.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You must recognise signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect, know what to do if there are concerns, attend safeguarding training appropriate to your role and undertake additional training as required. You will seek appropriate advice, report concerns and, if action is not taken, escalates appropriately.

Qualifications

• An NVQ Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery.
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Good understanding of HACCP.

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.

We bring and nurture five key qualities – what we call Kindness the HC‑One Way: We are curious, compassionate, creative, courageous and dependable. We champion inclusivity, foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered. We champion digital care planning and support residents through technology. We invest in your development with clear pathways, continuous professional development and postgraduate programmes.

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa.

Rewards & Benefits

You will enjoy a wide variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well‑being throughout your career as Head Chef. These include:

• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG.
• Free uniform.
• Nutritious meal during shifts of eight hours or more.
• Company pension scheme.
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays.
• Group life assurance cover.
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay.
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online – 24/7 GP consultation via an interactive app for you and your children under 16.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues in a committed team.
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts.
• Wellbeing – free independent employee assistance programme (24/7 support).
• Excellent recognition schemes such as Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards.
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role.