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 competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for skill development.
- 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 culinary excellence and compassion.
- 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 Watton employer: Kingsley Healthcare
Contact Detail:
Kingsley Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Watton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in care homes. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨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 prove that you can whip up delicious meals while managing a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your passion for nutrition and care. When you’re in an interview, share how you can create meals that cater to residents' dietary needs while keeping it tasty and exciting.
✨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 Watton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created memorable dining experiences in previous roles, as this will resonate with our commitment to quality and innovation.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've trained staff or improved kitchen operations in the past, as we value strong team management skills that contribute to a positive work environment.
Emphasise Your Knowledge of Nutrition and Safety: We take health and safety seriously, so it's important to demonstrate your understanding of food safety regulations and dietary needs. Mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed, as this shows you're committed to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to explore more about our values and what we stand for!
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 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 staff or improved kitchen operations in previous roles. This will show that you can foster a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Company Values
Kingsley Healthcare prides itself on compassion and integrity. Familiarise yourself with their values and think about how your personal philosophy aligns with theirs. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to their mission of making a meaningful difference.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a kitchen setting. Think about scenarios where you've had to manage time effectively under pressure or ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Having specific examples ready will help you stand out.