Healthcare – Private
Head Chef / Chef Manager
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £40,000 – £42,000 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations (HSY framework) and maintain DBS certification. Oversee food safety and hygiene standards.
- Flexibility: Be available for flexible working hours, including weekends, and adapt to the needs of the care home.
What We’re Looking For
- Culinary Expertise: Strong all-rounder with excellent knowledge of care home catering, dietary needs, and experience with diverse menus.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and inspire a kitchen team, with previous financial and operational management experience.
- Personality & Communication: Ability to work closely with residents and staff, including dealing with a mix of personalities in a care setting.
- Care Sector Knowledge: Understanding of care home environments, including nutritional needs and dietary diversity, is essential.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (£40,000 – £42,000)
- 20 days of holiday per year
- Pension scheme (8.3%)
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents’ lives
- Flexible working hours, typically finishing by 6 PM
- 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