At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a culinary team to create nutritious, restaurant-quality meals for residents.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit care home dedicated to enriching lives and supporting staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for dietary needs and a valid food hygiene certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Proud to be not-for-profit, at Sanctuary Care we provide high quality care homes where people are looked after with the utmost dignity and respect. At the very heart of everything we do is our mission to go beyond the standard expectation of providing great care, by doing everything we can to enrich the lives of the residents we are privileged to care for, their loved ones and as importantly, our dedicated and valued staff.
We’re excited to welcome an experienced Chef Manager to lead our culinary team at Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home in Chester, delivering nutritious, restaurant-quality meals without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. This is a hands-on leadership role where your culinary skills, creativity, and standards really matter, within a structured environment that supports balance and stability.
We also celebrate culinary creativity through our annual Sanctuary Care MasterChef competition, giving Chef Managers the opportunity to showcase their skills, share ideas, and be recognised across the organisation.
As a not-for-profit and Investors in People Gold organisation, every penny we make is reinvested into our people and our homes, with clear development pathways and recognition for the difference you make. We’re proud winners of the 2025 Nursing Times Award for Care of Older People and the 2025 Care Home Awards Best for Training and Development, and Outstanding Larger Care Home Group.
Your role
- Lead the day to day running of the kitchen, supporting an Assistant Chef and Catering Assistants
- Prepare and cook meals that meet individual dietary requirements for older people
- Manage stock and waste while working within budget
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance through regular checks and risk assessments
- Recruit, train and support the catering team to help them grow and succeed
Experience
- Catering for the dietary needs of older people
- A valid food hygiene certificate
- A friendly, approachable nature and enjoyment of working with people
- Confidence leading and supporting a small team
Your rewards
You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 28 days’ annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:
- CQC inspection bonus
- 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
- Enhanced parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
- Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
- Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
- Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements
Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.
Ready to start an inspiring career journey with us? Apply today and join us in leading the way in care.
Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs or follow us on socials.
Before you apply
We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch. Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account. We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.
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.
Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.
Chef Manager in Chester employer: Sanctuary Group
Sanctuary Care is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching work environment for its staff. As a not-for-profit organisation, we prioritise the well-being of our employees with competitive benefits, including flexible working options, comprehensive health support, and ongoing career development opportunities. Our inclusive culture fosters creativity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to grow your culinary career while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media 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! Since this role is all about culinary excellence, think about how you can demonstrate your creativity and ability to meet dietary needs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the interviewers are looking for and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find more info about the role and our values that can help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary expertise and any relevant experience in catering for dietary needs. We want to see how you can bring creativity and excellence to our kitchen!
Be Personable:Since this role involves leading a team, let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've supported and developed your team in the past. We love a friendly and approachable vibe!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to our values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality care and enriching the lives of our residents.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about our culture and values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Group
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge, especially around dietary requirements for older people. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen and how you ensure high standards of food safety and cleanliness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and trained staff in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive work environment and how you support your team’s growth.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Sanctuary Care's mission and values. They pride themselves on providing care with dignity and respect, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their culinary competitions or how they support staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
