Chef

Sycamore Heights Care Home, Bedford, Bedfordshire

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 Chef, you will be responsible for the planning and provision of daily nutritious meals for all our residents while ensuring the food you purchase is fresh and within budget. In addition, you will ensure all health and safety and environmental standards are achieved and maintained. You must be a team player who will inspire and motivate your team.

Reports to: Home Manager

Key duties and responsibilities

• Plan and prepare daily menus that meet the nutritional needs and preferences of our residents.
• Prepare meals that are appetizing, visually appealing, and within budget.
• Monitor food stocks and order supplies as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of food orders and inventory.
• Ensure that all food is stored, prepared, and served in a safe and hygienic manner.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff in food preparation and service.
• Implement and maintain health and safety procedures, including proper food handling and storage.
• Keep the kitchen clean and organized, including regular deep cleaning.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Build positive relationships with residents and their families, and respond promptly to their feedback and requests.

Skills and attributes

• Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
• Excellent cooking skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of nutrition and the ability to develop menus that meet dietary requirements.
• 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

• Food Hygiene Certified – Level 2 – willing to work towards Intermediate Food Hygiene qualifications.
• First Aid Certified.
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Food Preparation/Catering.

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.

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.