At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals for residents in a care home.
- Company: A caring organisation dedicated to enhancing residents' wellbeing through excellent food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, ongoing training, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on employee wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your passion for food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior catering roles and relevant qualifications in food safety and nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Catering to lead our kitchen team and deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals for our residents. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the catering service, ensuring meals are prepared to the highest standards while meeting individual dietary, nutritional, and cultural requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day‑to‑day operation of the care home’s catering service.
- Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of nutritious and appetising menus.
- Ensure all meals meet residents’ dietary needs, allergies, preferences, and medical requirements.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the catering team, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Manage food ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships to ensure cost‑effective purchasing.
- Maintain strict food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control standards in accordance with current legislation.
- Monitor kitchen budgets and minimise food waste.
- Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are clean, safe, and well‑maintained.
- Work closely with residents, families, and care staff to gather feedback and continually improve the dining experience.
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards and all relevant food safety regulations.
Requirements
- Previous experience in a senior catering or chef management role, ideally within a care home, healthcare, or hospitality environment.
- Relevant catering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery or equivalent).
- Level 3 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent knowledge of nutrition, special diets, and food allergens.
- Good organisational, communication, and budget management skills.
- A genuine passion for enhancing residents’ wellbeing through excellent food and service.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Supportive working environment.
- Employee wellbeing programme.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
St Vincents are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Head of Catering - Care Home employer: St Vincent's Retirement home
At St Vincents, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for our Head of Catering. With a focus on employee wellbeing and continuous professional development, we provide ongoing training opportunities to help you grow in your role while ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents through high-quality dining experiences. Join us in a rewarding career where your passion for food and service can truly enhance the wellbeing of those we care for.
Contact Details:
St Vincent's Retirement home Recruitment Team
