At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create nutritious meals for our residents.
- Company: Join Kingsley Healthcare, a family-run care home group with a heart.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Be part of a B Corp certified company with outstanding workplace recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, culinary degree, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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).
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.
- 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.
Head Chef in Norfolk employer: Kingsley Healthcare
At Kingsley Healthcare, we pride ourselves on being a family-run care home group that values compassion and integrity, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work. As a Real Living Wage employer with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a supportive work culture where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join our award-winning team and experience the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of our residents while working in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in care homes. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and show how you can create nutritious meals that residents will love.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your leadership style! As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so be prepared to discuss how you motivate and train your kitchen staff during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our family-run business.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating nutritious meals shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in a care setting, to show us you're the right fit for our family-run business.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing kitchen staff. Talk about how you've trained others and created a positive work environment, as this aligns with our values of compassion and respect.
Be Specific About Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your culinary degree or any relevant certifications. We want to see that you have the knowledge of nutrition and food safety regulations that are crucial for maintaining high standards in our kitchens.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsley Healthcare
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around nutrition and dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you can create well-balanced meals that cater to various dietary requirements, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and supervised kitchen staff in the past, and how you foster a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Company Values
Kingsley Healthcare prides itself on its people-first values and commitment to quality care. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your own philosophy aligns with theirs. This will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their family-run business.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations in the kitchen, such as managing dietary restrictions or maintaining health and safety standards. Think through some scenarios in advance and be ready to share your thought process and solutions.
