Head Chef, Stourport on Severn

Job Type: Part time

Hours: 40 per week (7am–3pm), working to a rota including alternate weekends

Salary: £15 per hour

Location: Stourport-on-Severn

We are looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead the kitchen in a warm and welcoming home supporting 24 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 Kitchen Assistant.

Care home experience is highly desirable.

• 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

• 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)

• 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 wellbeing
• Training opportunities, including IDDSI and nutrition‑related development
• Stable and friendly team environment
• Free on‑site parking

The successful applicant will undergo a free enhanced disclosure from the disclosure barring service & other compliance checks required.