Full job description
Permanent Full Time
Job Role:Head Chef
Location:Newcastle
Prestwick Care is a successful family run care provider based in the North East of England, delivering high quality, person-centred residential and nursing care since 1992. We are proud of our strong values, supportive culture and continued growth across the region, with multiple care homes and specialist services.
We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to work Full Time. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate professional seeking their next career move within a respected and growing company.
About the Role
In this role, the Head Chef will lead the kitchen team in planning, preparing, and delivering nutritious, home cooked meals that meet the dietary, cultural, and medical needs of elderly residents.
Ensure all food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, and health & safety standards are strictly followed in line with CQC and Environmental Health requirements.
Manage, supervise, and develop the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of catering, compliance, and person centred dining experiences within the care home.
What We Offer to our Head Chef
- Full training package
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee discount card at our leisure sites
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing company
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
Key Responsibilities for our Head Chef
- Create and maintain structured cooking, cleaning, and deep-clean schedules (daily, weekly, periodic) for all kitchen areas in line with company quality standards and CQC regulations.
- Recruit, with the Home Manager, train, supervise, and line manage all kitchen staff involved in meal preparation.
- Plan varied, seasonal, and nutritionally balanced menus in advance with the Home Manager, ensuring meals are prepared and presented to a high standard.
- Ensure all special dietary requirements are catered for (e.g., diabetic, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegetarian, texture-modified diets) and maintain effective stock control and rotation procedures.
- Maintain and regularly update kitchen equipment inventory, reporting faults or replacement needs promptly.
- Ensure meal preparation areas comply with Environmental Health, Food Standards Agency, and all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Implement and monitor quality control systems across all aspects of kitchen management and catering services.
- Ensure food handling, cleanliness, risk assessments, and health & safety procedures operate to the highest possible standards and remain compliant with current and future legislation.
- Arrange and participate in employee and resident meetings as required and undertake all statutory and mandatory training.
- Liaise with the Home Manager when ordering food supplies and cleaning products and undertake monthly stock checks and budget reviews.
- Manage and maintain agreed catering budgets in conjunction with the Home Manager and Head Office, ensuring cost control without compromising quality.
- Adhere to the Care Home’s waste disposal and sustainability policies.
- Report immediately to the Home Manager or Person in Charge any illness of an infectious nature or accident involving a resident, colleague, self, or another, in line with safeguarding and health & safety procedures.
- Report faulty appliances, damaged equipment, or potential hazards promptly to maintain a safe working environment.
- Work closely with care staff to ensure mealtimes are person-centred, dignified, and enjoyable for residents.
Required Skills & Experience
- Good communication skills to liaise effectively with care staff, residents, families, and suppliers.
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Senior Chef, or Sous Chef (care home, healthcare, school, or contract catering desirable).
- Strong knowledge of nutrition, elderly dietary needs, allergens, and specialist diets.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of HACCP, COSHH, and food safety compliance.
- Leadership and team management experience.
- Good organisational and budgeting skills.
- Satisfactory enhanced DBS check
- Satisfactory Right to Work in the UK (must be maintained)
Benefits
- Employee discount
Work authorisation
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location
In person
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Head Chef: Brooke House in Cambridge employer: Prestwickcare
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