Head Chef
Lead the kitchen. Inspire your team. Make mealtimes matter.
Come and make a difference with Westgate Healthcare! #CareWithUsAtWestgate
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take the lead at Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead, London.
This is more than a kitchen management role. You’ll lead your team, bring creativity to the menu, and make sure our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious food that reflects their individual tastes, needs and preferences.
If you’re an experienced chef who loves great food, enjoys leading a team and takes pride in creating meals that people genuinely look forward to, we’d love to hear from you.
About the role
The Details
£40,000 per year
40 hours per week
7:00am–5:30pm
4 days over 7, including weekends
What Will You Be Doing?
As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen while leading and supporting your team to deliver a consistently high standard of food and service.
You’ll be responsible for:
Leading, managing and developing the kitchen team
Preparing high-quality hot and cold meals that meet residents’ dietary requirements, preferences and individual needs
Creating and delivering varied, seasonal menus in collaboration with the Catering and Hospitality Manager
Bringing new ideas and creativity to mealtimes
Managing kitchen budgets, stock levels and supplier orders
Completing regular audits and maintaining accurate kitchen records
Carrying out daily kitchen checks, including temperature monitoring and equipment checks
Making sure the kitchen, food preparation and storage areas are clean, safe and hygienic
Ensuring the kitchen operates in line with Food Safety, Health & Safety and regulatory requirements
Following and maintaining fire safety and infection prevention and control procedures
Reporting accidents and incidents in line with company procedures
Working closely with the wider care team to understand residents’ needs and preferences
Carrying out any reasonable duties requested by the Catering and Hospitality Manager or Home Manager
About You
We’re looking for a chef who is confident taking the lead and passionate about food and people.
You’ll ideally have:
Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior chef in a care home setting
Experience leading and developing a kitchen team
Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen requirements
Experience with menu planning, stock control and ordering
The ability to cater for different dietary requirements and preferences
Excellent organisation and time-management skills
A hands-on approach and willingness to get stuck in
A positive, can-do attitude
Great communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with residents, colleagues and suppliers
A genuine interest in creating enjoyable and meaningful mealtimes for older people
Experience within a care home or similar environment would be an advantage, but we’re also interested in chefs from other settings who can bring their skills, creativity and passion to our home.
Why Work at Westgate?
At Westgate Healthcare, we want our people to feel valued, supported and part of something that matters.
As part of our team, you’ll have access to:
Stream – access your wages before payday and enjoy exclusive retail discounts
Blue Light Card – access to a wide range of national discounts
Byond Prepayment Card, Extras Discounts and Cycle to Work Scheme
Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £500 for a successful referral
Employee recognition programmes, including Employee of the Month and Long Service awards
Team-building activities and social events
Support to achieve additional and nationally recognised qualifications
Financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity
Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and professional development
Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to use your experience and creativity to make a real difference to the people who live in our homes.
Great food can make someone’s day. As Head Chef, you’ll help make that happen every day.
Ready to Lead the Kitchen?
If you’re an experienced chef looking for your next challenge and want to combine great food with a role that has real purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Bring your passion, your ideas and your leadership skills to Westgate Healthcare.
#CareWithUsAtWestgate
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received, so early application is encouraged.
Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
WGHROB
About the company
We are Westgate Healthcare, a family-run care provider delivering award-winning residential, nursing and dementia care across the South East of England.
With over 20 years of experience, we focus on creating safe, supportive and welcoming environments for older people.
Our approach combines high clinical standards with genuine compassion, ensuring every resident receives personalised, dignified care
Required Criteria
- The right to live and work in the UK
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef in a similar setting (e.g. care home, school or healthcare environment)
- Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (or above)
- A good understanding of the nutritional needs of older people
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements
- A positive, flexible and professional approach to work
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desired Criteria
Skills you’ll need
- Managing Teams
- Food Production
- HACCP/Food Safety Management Skills
- Food Costs
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