Head Chef

Head Chef

Downham Market Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to create nutritious meals and maintain culinary excellence.
  • Company: Kingsley Healthcare is a family-run care home group dedicated to making a meaningful difference in lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, paid breaks, career development, and discounts through the Blue Light Card Scheme.
  • Why this job: Join a B Corp certified company recognised for its commitment to quality and employee wellbeing.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, culinary degree, and strong leadership skills are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a 4.7 Glassdoor rating and opportunities for growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

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, 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

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.

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.

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Head Chef employer: Kingsley Home Care Services

At Kingsley Healthcare, we pride ourselves on being a family-run care home group that values its employees and fosters a supportive work environment. As a Real Living Wage employer with a commitment to staff wellbeing, we offer comprehensive training, career development opportunities, and a range of benefits including paid breaks and a Blue Light Card Scheme. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents while enjoying a fulfilling career in a highly regarded organisation.
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Contact Detail:

Kingsley Home Care Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Kingsley Healthcare's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to compassionate care and community will help you align your interview responses with their ethos, showcasing that you're not just a skilled chef but also a great cultural fit.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to discuss your experience in managing kitchen staff and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've trained teams or improved kitchen operations in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs, especially in a care home setting. Being able to articulate how you can cater to special dietary requirements will show that you understand the unique challenges of cooking for residents.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with other departments. Since the role involves interaction with various teams within the care home, providing examples of successful teamwork in past positions will illustrate your interpersonal skills and adaptability.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef
Culinary degree or relevant certification
Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs
Understanding of food safety regulations
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments
Time management skills
Ability to work efficiently under pressure
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Ability to train and supervise kitchen staff
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef. Focus on your culinary qualifications, leadership skills, and any specific achievements in previous roles that align with the values of Kingsley Healthcare.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for delivering exceptional care and your commitment to high culinary standards. Mention how your values align with those of Kingsley Healthcare and provide examples of how you've positively impacted previous teams or residents.

Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of nutrition, dietary needs, and food safety regulations. This will show that you are not only a skilled chef but also someone who prioritises the health and wellbeing of residents.

Highlight Team Management Experience: Emphasise your experience in managing kitchen staff and training them in health and safety standards. Provide specific examples of how you've fostered a positive working environment and improved team performance in past roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsley Home Care Services

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

During the interview, express your genuine passion for cooking and how it aligns with the values of Kingsley Healthcare. Share specific examples of how you've created nutritious meals that cater to dietary needs, demonstrating your commitment to quality and care.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully trained and motivated kitchen staff in previous roles. This will show your ability to foster a positive working environment.

✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Health and Safety

Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the culinary field. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and maintain high standards of food safety, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare Questions About the Role

Come equipped with thoughtful questions about the Head Chef position and the care home environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team's success and the residents' wellbeing.

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