Head Chef

About the role

As a Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. You will inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that our Residents will genuinely enjoy, ensuring every dish supports their health and wellbeing by considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences and nutritional requirements. With hygiene and safety always front of mind, you will manage the kitchen efficiently – overseeing stock, budgets, orders and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP.

You will work closely with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation. You will also shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences, to enhance our Residents’ quality of life.

You will manage kitchen operations, including stock control, budgeting, ordering, and compliance with HACCP and other food safety standards. You will lead, motivate, and develop a diverse kitchen team, ensuring high-standard meals are prepared and presented. You will collaborate with central teams and other care staff to meet individual dietary needs, cultural preferences and nutritional requirements. You will create a positive, safe and welcoming environment in the kitchen, and play an active part in safeguarding and reporting potential abuse, harm or neglect.

• S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

We value energy, leadership, motivation, organisation, planning and a commitment to kindness, consideration and dedication to making our care homes a great place to live and work.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You must recognise signs of possible abuse, harm or neglect, and know what to do if concerns arise. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training in associated areas. You must also seek appropriate advice, report concerns and be able to escalated if action is not taken.

• Hourly rate based on experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• Nutritious meal during an eight-hour shift or more
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app for you and children under 16
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts with selected partners
• Wellbeing – free access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 support for whole range of issues
• Recognition schemes – Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
• Refer a friend scheme – up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role