Head Chef | Colchester

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead the kitchen in a warm and welcoming home supporting 2425 residents. This is a meaningful role where your cooking will directly enhance residents’ well-being, comfort, and quality of life.

In this role as Head Chef, you will oversee all aspects of the kitchen – from menu planning and meal preparation to team supervision and ensure exceptional dining experiences. If you are creative, organized, and experienced in producing high-quality meals for older adults (including those who struggle with solids), this role could be the perfect fit for you.

You will be supported by a dedicated team:
1 x Second Chef
2 x Kitchen Assistants

Care home experience is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
• Develop varied and engaging menu plans tailored to residents’ dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements
• Create special-themed meals in partnership with the Lifestyles & Wellbeing team
• Support residents who require modified diets (e.g., IDDSI)
• Maintain a welcoming dining environment and assist with serving meals
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP and Environmental Health standards
• Supervise, coach, and mentor the kitchen team
• Manage stock, ordering, and cost control efficiently
• Complete all required kitchen documentation using in-house IT systems
• Support a positive dining atmosphere that enhances residents’ enjoyment and well-being.

About You

• Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens and special dietary needs
• Experience working as a Head Chef, Cook or Kitchen Manager (care home experience ideal)
• Confident preparing meals for older adults, including texture-modified diets (IDDSI)
• Ability to plan, cook, and present varied, nutritious menus using fresh ingredients
• Skilled in supervising and motivating a small kitchen team
• Comfortable managing kitchen stock, ordering, and cost control
• Experience maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment
• Basic IT skills for completing kitchen records and documentation
• Creative, resident-focused, and passionate about enhancing mealtimes
• Warm, friendly and approachable with a genuine interest in supporting elderly residents
• Reliable, organized, and committed to high standards
• Experience coaching or mentoring kitchen/hospitality staff (desirable)

Benefits

• Competitive pay with potential for a higher rate for experienced applicants
• Supportive working environment in a well-regarded care home
• Opportunities to create themed meals and contribute to resident well-being
• Training opportunities, including IDDSI and nutrition-related development
• Stable and friendly team environment
• Free on-site parking

Apply Now

If you’re a passionate chef who wants to make a real difference while leading a friendly, supportive kitchen team, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your creativity, care, and culinary skills.