Head Chef

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will play a crucial role in providing nutritious and well‑balanced meals for residents while ensuring a high standard of culinary excellence. You will manage kitchen staff, oversee food preparation, menu planning, and maintain compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Manage kitchen staff, providing leadership and direction.
• Oversee food preparation, menu planning, and special dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff and maintain a clean, organised kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with other departments within the care home.
• Maintain a positive dining atmosphere for residents.

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a similar setting.
• Culinary degree or relevant certification.
• Knowledge of nutrition, dietary needs, and food safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments within the care home.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Ability to train and supervise kitchen staff.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

NVQ Level 3 in Catering or equivalent qualification is desirable.

• Employer:
  
  Buckingham Lodge Care Home, Watton, Norfolk
• Pay: £19 per hour
• Type:
  Permanent
• Shift: Days

• Comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Blue Light Card Scheme – reimburse enrolment fee.
• Loyalty Bonus – accrue up to 5 additional holiday days depending on length of service.
• Refer a friend and receive a thank you gift of up to £500.
• Full DBS disclosure paid.
• Uniform provided.
• Enhanced rates of pay for bank holidays.
• Paid breaks – all staff can take breaks without loss of pay.

Close to the town of Watton and within easy reach of Thetford, Buckingham Lodge provides a warm, caring environment for nursing, residential and dementia care. Purpose‑built home and extensive gardens. Buckingham Close, Norwich Road, Watton IP25 6WL
.

In accordance with the Asylum and immigration Act 2006 you will need to demonstrate your eligibility for employment in the United Kingdom.