Head Chef / Chef Manager
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £40, – £42, per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week (typically 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for late shifts and weekends as needed)
About Us
We are a vibrant care home in High Wycombe, catering to 74 residents, including ex-military men and women, with a reputation for excellent care and high standards. We’re looking for a dynamic and talented Head Chef/Chef Manager to lead our kitchen team and deliver outstanding dining experiences.
If you have the creativity, leadership skills, and passion for exceptional food, this is your opportunity to make a difference in a fulfilling role.
Key Responsibilities
1. Menu Planning & Cooking : Create diverse, nutritious menus, including pureed and special dietary meals, to meet residents’ needs and preferences. Deliver everything from hearty breakfasts to elegant sirloin dinners and homemade biscuits.
2. Leadership & Team Management : Supervise and mentor a team of 9 kitchen staff, including 2nd and 3rd chefs, a weekend chef, and gas chefs. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
3. Budget Management : Work within a tight budget for breakfast, soups, and other meals while maintaining quality. Manage a company credit card for supplies with monthly reconciliation.
4. Compliance & Standards : Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations (HSY framework) and maintain DBS certification. Oversee food safety and hygiene standards.
5. Flexibility : Be available for flexible working hours, including weekends, and adapt to the needs of the care home.
What We’re Looking For
6. Culinary Expertise : Strong all-rounder with excellent knowledge of care home catering, dietary needs, and experience with diverse menus.
7. Leadership Skills : Proven ability to manage and inspire a kitchen team, with previous financial and operational management experience.
8. Personality & Communication : Ability to work closely with residents and staff, including dealing with a mix of personalities in a care setting.
9. Care Sector Knowledge : Understanding of care home environments, including nutritional needs and dietary diversity, is essential.
What We Offer
10. Competitive salary (£40, – £42,)
11. 20 days of holiday per year
12. Pension scheme (8.3%)
13. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents’ lives
14. Flexible working hours, typically finishing by 6 PM
15. Supportive and collaborative team environment
Application
If you’re ready to bring your passion for food and leadership to our care home, apply today!
Report to: Joan or designated manager.
We look forward to welcoming a new Head Chef to our team and making a difference together.
ADM