Head Chef in Dartmouth

Head Chef in Dartmouth

Dartmouth Full-Time 42000 - 57000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create delicious menus, and ensure top-notch food service.
  • Company: Vivant Care, a forward-thinking care provider with a focus on exceptional dining experiences.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, 25+ days leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of dining in care while making a real difference in people's lives.
  • Qualifications: Proven chef experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for quality food.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive environment.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 57000 £ per year.

Where flavour creates unforgettable moments. At Vivant Care, dining is more than a meal – it’s an experience that brings comfort, joy and connection. As our Chef Manager, you’ll set the standard for exceptional food and hospitality, crafting menus that delight and nourish every day.

This role isn’t just about cooking – it’s about leading a team, shaping a warm dining culture, and ensuring every plate reflects the quality and care that define us. You’ll thrive here if you’re passionate about food, confident in managing a kitchen team, and committed to delivering service that’s always a cut above.

Your role:

  • Manage food service operations, ensuring quality, hygiene and regulatory compliance
  • Design seasonal menus that meet dietary needs and budget requirements
  • Oversee special diets and allergen compliance, maintaining high presentation standards
  • Control kitchen budgets, stock and purchasing to minimise waste and maintain quality
  • Lead food safety management and ensure staff training and compliance
  • Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff to deliver exceptional standards
  • Engage with residents to understand preferences and gather feedback for improvement

Your skills:

  • Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Proven experience as a qualified chef, catering for large numbers in high-pressure, high-end settings
  • Strong ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
  • Experience managing and developing kitchen teams
  • Knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems
  • Skilled in setting and managing budgets and controlling costs
  • Experience using online stock purchasing systems

Your rewards:

  • 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30, plus bank holidays)
  • Occupational sick pay linked to length of service
  • Pension matched up to 7%
  • Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Parental leave arrangements and paid volunteering days
  • Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
  • Flexible working options
  • Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and brand-new salary sacrifice electric car schemes

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – please get in touch for more information.

Why Vivant? With over 25 years of experience from Sanctuary Care behind us, Vivant Care is built on a foundation of trusted expertise and a bold vision for the future of care. When you join Vivant Care, you’re not just stepping into a role – you’re helping shape a new standard for later-life living.

Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at or follow us on socials.

Before you apply: We’re currently only accepting applications from those with the right to work in the UK. If you’re applying internally, please use your internal careers account to submit your application. We may receive a high volume of applications and reserve the right to close this advert early – so don’t miss out, apply as soon as you can.

Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.

Building Equality and Diversity: Sanctuary Group encourages and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support our commitment to offering an inclusive environment for our employees and customers. We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Vivant Care is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.

Head Chef in Dartmouth employer: Sanctuary Care

At Vivant Care, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our Head Chef can truly shine. With a focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including extensive annual leave, health support, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Join us in Dartmouth, where your culinary expertise will not only delight our residents but also contribute to shaping the future of care dining.
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Contact Detail:

Sanctuary Care Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Dartmouth

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out Vivant Care's social media and website to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get the chance, bring a dish that reflects your style and creativity. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate how you can elevate their dining experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style. As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so think about examples where you've successfully led others. Share how you foster a positive kitchen environment and ensure high standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about joining the Vivant Care family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Dartmouth

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
Menu Design
Food Service Operations Management
Dietary Needs Compliance
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Food Safety Management Systems Knowledge
Stock Control
Training and Development of Kitchen Staff
High-Pressure Cooking Experience
Customer Engagement
Allergen Compliance
Presentation Standards Maintenance
Time Management
Prioritisation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create unforgettable dining experiences. We want to see that spark!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in managing and developing kitchen staff. Talk about how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture and motivated your team to deliver exceptional service.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your qualifications; give us the juicy details! Mention specific achievements, like designing seasonal menus or managing budgets. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our mission of quality and care.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t wait too long – we might close applications early!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Care

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, take some time to research and even create a sample menu that reflects your culinary style. Be ready to discuss how you would design seasonal menus that cater to dietary needs and preferences, as this shows your passion for food and attention to detail.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully recruited, trained, and developed kitchen staff in the past, and be ready to discuss how you foster a positive dining culture.

✨Understand Food Safety and Compliance

Brush up on your knowledge of food safety management systems and hygiene regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a high-pressure kitchen environment, as this is vital for maintaining quality and safety standards.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, don't just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their dining culture and how they gather feedback from residents. This shows your interest in their values and commitment to creating an exceptional dining experience.

Head Chef in Dartmouth
Sanctuary Care
Location: Dartmouth
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