Head Chef - Care Home - Wickford

Job Vacancy: Head Chef
Location: Wickford, Essex
Payrate: £16.00 per hour (negotiable)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days per week, including every other weekend
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to join the team for our client, a prestigious care home based in Wickford, Essex, on a permanent basis.
The successful candidate will have previous experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally within a care home or similar environment, and a genuine passion for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals that meet residents' individual dietary needs and preferences.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled chef with strong leadership abilities who takes pride in delivering exceptional food standards while creating a positive and enjoyable dining experience for residents.
The role is 40 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7, including every other weekend. Typical working hours are 7:00am–3:00pm or 7:30am–3:30pm, although some flexibility may be available.
Key Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring the efficient preparation and delivery of high-quality meals.

Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, and appetising menus tailored to residents' dietary requirements and preferences.

Accommodate special diets, food allergies, and individual nutritional needs.

Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and kitchen cleanliness standards in accordance with current regulations.

Manage stock control, food ordering, and portion control to ensure cost-effective kitchen operations.

Supervise, support, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain consistently high standards.

Ensure meals are prepared and served on time, providing residents with an enjoyable dining experience.

Maintain accurate kitchen records and ensure compliance with food safety procedures.

Essential Requirements Previous experience working as a Head Chef or in a senior chef position.

Experience working within a care home or similar catering environment is highly desirable.

A strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety, and nutritional requirements.

Experience catering for individuals with a range of dietary needs and preferences.

Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

The ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards.

A compassionate and professional approach to working within a care environment.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for this role.

What We Offer Competitive hourly rate, aiming for £16.00 per hour, negotiable for the right candidate.

40 hours per week.

Permanent employment.

5 working days per week, including every other weekend.

Daytime working hours, typically 7:00am–3:00pm or 7:30am–3:30pm.

Some flexibility with working hours.

An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to residents' health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

How to Apply If you are an experienced Head Chef with a passion for delivering high-quality catering and are looking for a permanent opportunity within a care home environment, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your application outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role. An immediate start is available for the right candidate.
Position Details Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Wickford, Essex

Salary: £16.00 per hour (negotiable)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Working Pattern: 5 days per week, including every other weekend

Typical Hours: 7:00am–3:00pm / 7:30am–3:30pm (flexible)

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Enhanced DBS Check: Essential

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