Head Chef
Head Chef at Aurem Care in Colchester, on Only Chefs.
- Employer: Aurem Care
- Location: Colchester, Essex
- Salary: £39,520 – £39,520
- Contract: Full Time
- Closes: 2026-10-10
About the role
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact in your local community?
Do you have a passion for cooking and experience managing a kitchen team?
Would you enjoy working closely with residents in a care home to provide nutritious, high-quality meals?
If so, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team within our care home.
You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring meals are prepared to the highest standards, delivered on time, and tailored to meet the needs of our residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate all kitchen operations to ensure food is prepared to agreed standards and deadlines.
- Implement and oversee kitchen controls, including menus, hygiene, health and safety, staffing, cleaning, and waste management.
- Recruit, supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff within agreed guidelines.
- Manage catering consumables and food ordering.
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP procedures, ensuring all documentation is completed and signed correctly.
- Complete monthly kitchen audits and report findings to the Home Manager.
- Create balanced, nutritious menus within agreed budgets, considering variety, presentation, and nutritional value.
- Consult regularly with residents to ensure their dietary needs, preferences, and choices are met.
- Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.
- Monitor and maintain agreed food stock levels.
- Implement and maintain a deep-cleaning schedule for the kitchen.
- Conduct monthly stock takes.
- Produce and manage four-weekly staff rotas.
- Work within agreed budget guidelines.
- Assist with planning and costing menus for special functions and events.
- Support requests from residents and the Home Manager whenever possible.
- Attend resident and relative meetings where appropriate.
- Conduct staff supervision sessions in line with company policies.
- Complete staff performance and personal development reviews.
- Undertake any additional duties required to support the effective delivery of services within the home.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Head Chef (Working in a similar environment would be preferred)
- Experience managing and motivating a team.
- Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.
- Ability to cater for a variety of dietary requirements and specialist diets.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A genuine commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and dining experience of our residents.
What We Offer
- Full-time, permanent contract
- 40 hours per week, including weekend working
- £19 per hour ( Equivalent to £39,520 per annum)
- 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts)
- Life insurance
- Free DBS check (terms and conditions apply)
- Free on-site parking
- Company pension scheme
- Wagestream – access earned wages before payday
- Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental health support
- Free in-house training through our e-learning platform, Hippo
- Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities
- Annual salary review
- A supportive organisation that values and empowers its people
Important Note
Aurem Care is not a sponsoring organisation. All applicants must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure it independently.
Why Join Aurem Care?
Aurem Care has been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group Award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering outstanding care across the UK.
Our homes are built around people caring for people. We believe every care home should be a happy home for residents, loved ones, and staff alike.
Our values guide everything we do:
Diversity • Integrity • Fun • Commitment • Connection
If these values resonate with you and you're ready to make a difference then apply now and become a vital part of the Aurem Care family!
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