Head Chef – Care Home: Lead, Create Nutritious Menus

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A residential care provider in Milton Keynes seeks a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, develop nutritious and flavorful menus, and enhance the dining experience for residents. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams, a strong understanding of fresh seasonal food, and a commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality standards. This role offers an excellent work-life balance, ongoing training, and the opportunity to be part of a unique chef academy.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Referral scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling services

Tax Code Review Service

Monthly staff lottery

Qualifications

• Experience in a Chef role focusing on hospitality and nutrition.
• Ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to ensure high-quality food standards.
• Create and manage personalized menus based on resident preferences.
• Oversee kitchen budget, audits, and stock control.
• Bake fresh products from scratch and assist with dining setups.
• Support ongoing recruitment and retention efforts.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Experience in leading teams

Knowledge of nutrition

Experience with fresh seasonal food

Confidence with menu creation

Understanding of HACCP and COSHH

Knowledge of modified diets

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

A residential care provider in Milton Keynes seeks a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, develop nutritious and flavorful menus, and enhance the dining experience for residents. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams, a strong understanding of fresh seasonal food, and a commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality standards. This role offers an excellent work-life balance, ongoing training, and the opportunity to be part of a unique chef academy.