At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals and manage food preparation.
- Company: Join a family-run healthcare group dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, paid breaks, and discounts with the Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and knowledge of nutrition required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Company
At Kingsley Healthcare, we are more than just a care home group - we are a proud, family-run business driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. Our dedicated teams transform care into a calling, delivering excellence with compassion, integrity, and respect. As the UK’s only large care home provider to achieve B Corp certification, we continue to lead the sector in responsible, values-driven care. In 2024 and again in 2025, we were honoured to be named Health Investor’s Residential Elderly Large Care Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. For eight consecutive years, we’ve been recognised among the Top 20 Large UK Care Home Groups by carehome.co.uk, reflecting consistently high standards and resident satisfaction. We are also proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that the dedication of our team members is valued and fairly rewarded. Our commitment to people-first values has earned us outstanding workplace recognition, including a 4.7 rating on Glassdoor, a 4.5 rating on Indeed, and the No.1 ranking in the UK for wellbeing at work (Indeed’s Better Work Awards 2023). If you're passionate about delivering exceptional care and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that puts both its residents and people at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Role
As a Head Chef, you will play a crucial role in providing nutritious and well-balanced meals for residents while ensuring a high standard of culinary excellence. You will be responsible for managing the kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, menu planning, and maintaining compliance with relevant health and safety regulations. In addition to cultivating a positive dining atmosphere for residents and catering to their special dietary requirements, this role encompasses crucial responsibilities. You will play a pivotal role in staff training, ensuring a commitment to health and safety standards, and upholding a pristine and well‑organised kitchen environment.
Reports to: Home Manager
Skills and attributes
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a similar setting.
- Culinary degree or relevant certification.
- Knowledge of nutrition, dietary needs, and food safety regulations.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other departments within the care home.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Ability to train and supervise kitchen staff.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
Education and qualification
NVQ Level 3 in Catering or equivalent qualification, desirable.
What will you gain?
You will have the satisfaction of working with, and being supported by, an enthusiastic and caring team that puts people at the heart of the business. We know the happiness of our staff improves the service we give our residents. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and we have the procedures and processes to help you at every step.
- Sharston House Nursing Home, Knutsford, Cheshire
- Pay:: £16.50 per hour
- Type: Permanent
- Shift: Days
Benefits
- Comprehensive induction and training programme.
- Opportunities for career development and progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light Card Scheme. We’ll reimburse the enrolment fee of this fantastic scheme that offers discounts on holidays, days out and over 15,000 national brands.
- Loyalty Bonus: Accrue up to 5 additional holiday days depending on length of service.
- Refer a friend and receive a thank you gift of up to £500 *
- We’ll pay for your full DBS disclosure
- Your uniform will be provided – this is another cost that we think it’s essential that we cover for you.
- Enhanced rates of pay for bank holidays
- Paid breaks – we think it’s essential that all staff can take breaks without fear of losing money, so we pay for you to have a break during working hours.
Location
This grand 19th-century home offers nursing, residential and dementia care in the heart of Knutsford. Sharston House has been lovingly decorated to complement its period features and residents love the elegance and space. The well‑tended garden is immensely popular.
Manor Park South, Knutsford WA16 8AQ
Your right to work in the UK
In accordance with the Asylum and immigration Act 2006 you will need to demonstrate your eligibility for employment in the United Kingdom.
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Head Chef in Knutsford employer: Kingsley Healthcare Group
Kingsley Healthcare Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture at Four Oaks Care Home in Trafford. With competitive pay, a £2,000 welcome bonus, and ample opportunities for career progression, we prioritise the growth and well-being of our staff while ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Knutsford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Kingsley Healthcare Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kingsley Healthcare Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kingsley Healthcare Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Kingsley Healthcare Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsley Healthcare Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
