Head Chef

Inspired Villages Group; Caddington; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Caddington is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. In this role, you will inspire creativity and foster excellence in food preparation, while managing service efficiently across all meal times. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in a high-quality kitchen environment and a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification. The position offers growth opportunities and a supportive environment to enhance your career.

Benefits

Bupa Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance at four times salary

33 days annual leave

Holiday buying scheme

5% matched pension scheme

Retail discounts

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing hub

Cycle to work scheme

Electric car scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a busy kitchen.
• Ability to design, prepare, and present high-quality meals.
• Strong attention to detail in all kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen team and manage food service with pride.
• Create visually appealing dishes and balanced menus.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Food presentation

Communication

Team management

Education

Food Hygiene qualification, Level 3

Job description

We’re driven by a clear purpose: to build real communities that enhance the lives of our residents every single day. With ambitious growth plans, we’re now looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. If you’re seeking a career that means more and gives you more, both personally and professionally, there’s a place for you at Inspired Villages.

As a Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the kitchen, managing the team, designing and delivering menus, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service. You will lead by example, inspire creativity, and foster a culture of excellence within the kitchen, making every meal a memorable experience for residents and guests.

If you’re ready to build a career with purpose, one that offers leadership opportunities, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference, we would love to welcome you to Inspired Villages.

The Role

• Leading the kitchen team and managing food service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner with efficiency and pride
• Creating and delivering delicious, visually appealing dishes that consistently meet high-quality standards and delight residents
• Designing exciting and balanced menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and cater to dietary needs and allergens
• Inspiring and developing the kitchen team, sharing skills, tips, and guidance to maintain high standards and teamwork
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and operational procedures while maintaining a smooth-running kitchen
• Maintaining a clean, organised, and welcoming kitchen environment that supports productivity and safety
• Enhancing the dining experience by ensuring meals are enjoyable, memorable, and consistently delivered with care

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a busy, high-quality kitchen environment
• Food Hygiene qualification, Level 3 (or equivalent) minimum
• Strong organisational and management skills, with the ability to lead a team effectively in a fast-paced setting
• Good numeracy and literacy skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of kitchen operations
• Creative and passionate about food, including design, preparation, nutrition, and presentation
• Ability to inspire and develop a team, fostering a culture of pride, consistency, and continuous improvement

The Benefits

• Bupa Health Cash Plan, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance at four times your annual salary
• 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Holiday buying scheme allowing you to purchase up to an additional week of leave
• Big birthdays off for milestone birthdays ending in 0
• 5% matched pension scheme
• Retail discounts across a wide range of outlets
• Access to SMART tech to support your work and lifestyle
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
• Wellbeing hub and resources, including discounts on wellbeing interventions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car scheme

At Inspired Villages, we welcome everyone, regardless of background, to join our thriving community. Here, you’ll be included, involved, and inspired to share your unique talents. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where individuality is celebrated and you’re empowered to be your best every day.

More enjoyment. More satisfaction. More like one big family. If you’re looking for a career that means more and gives you more, apply today and become part of our community.