Regional Chef

About the company

Kingsley Healthcare isn’t just a care home group, we are a family where our passionate individuals are changing lives every day. Winners of the 2024 Health Investors Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year, we are ranked – for the eighth year running! – among the top 20 large UK care home groups (carehome.co.uk) for our exceptional care, and proudly support over 1,500 residents to live in a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment.

We are proud to be ranked No.1 in the UK for our commitment to wellbeing at work (Indeed’s Better Work Awards 2023) and our sector-leading 4.7 Glassdoor rating, we are also a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that we reward and value dedication.

We welcome passionate individuals who want to make a difference to our growing family which puts our people and our residents first.

About the role

As a Regional Chef, you will take charge of culinary operations across several of our care homes in the South Midlands region. Based at Olney Meadows, your role will also encompass homes in Bedford, Brackley, and occasionally Walton-on-Thames. Collaborating closely with local kitchen teams, you will ensure that every meal is crafted to the highest standards, meeting residents’ dietary requirements and personal preferences with care and precision.

Reports to: Operations Manager and Regional Operations Director

Key duties and responsibilities

• Develop seasonal menus that are nutritious, varied, and tailored to residents’ dietary needs and preferences.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure kitchens operate efficiently and meet quality standards.
• Train and support kitchen staff in food preparation, hygiene, and safety compliance.
• Monitor food safety regulations, perform audits, and address complaints or issues promptly.
• Manage budgets, minimise waste, and source high-quality ingredients from approved suppliers.

Skills and attributes

• Extensive experience as a chef, ideally in care homes, healthcare, or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements, including allergens, fortified diets, and dysphagia management.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and training teams.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Conduct regular kitchen audits to uphold consistency and quality.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and minimise food waste.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients.
• Engage with residents and staff to gather feedback and adapt menus accordingly.

Education and qualification

• Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly within the region.

What will you gain?

You will have the satisfaction of working with and being supported by an enthusiastic and caring team that puts people at the heart of the business. We know the happiness of our staff improves the service we give our residents. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and we have the procedures and processes in place to help you at every step.

• Olney Meadows Care Home, Olney, Buckinghamshire
• Pay:: £18 per hour
• Type: Permanent
• Shift: Days

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card Scheme. We’ll reimburse the enrolment fee of this fantastic scheme that offers discounts on holidays, days out and over 15,000 national brands.
• Refer a friend and receive a thank you gift of up to £500 *
• We’ll pay for your full DBS disclosure
• Your uniform will be provided – this is another cost that we think it’s essential that we cover for you.
• Enhanced rates of pay for bank holidays
• Commuting mileage reimbursement *

Location

Our latest flagship luxury care home combines superb facilities, designed with resident wellbeing in mind, with a fabulous location in the historic market town of Olney, within easy reach of wide areas of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. The home’s generously sized 66 bedrooms, all with an en-suite, are immaculately designed in bright, tasteful and contemporary colours.

Olney, Buckinghamshire, MK46 5GP

Your right to work in the UK

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