Head Chef

Are you an experienced chef looking to trade late-night restaurant hours for a fulfilling role where your culinary skills genuinely improve lives?

We are looking for a passionate, empathetic Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our nursing care home in Wolverhampton. Our home provides dedicated residential and nursing care for elderly residents, many of whom live with complex physical needs and dementia. In this role, you will ensure that excellent nutrition, safe dietary practices, and the simple joy of a great meal remain a highlight of our residents' daily lives.

What You’ll Do

* Nourishing Menus: Design and cook fresh, wholesome, and appetizing seasonal meals tailored to the tastes and nostalgic favourites of our elderly residents.

* Specialist Dietary Care: Oversee the safe preparation of complex clinical diets, including diabetic-friendly, allergen-free, and texture-modified meals (meeting IDDSI standards) for residents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).

* Kitchen Leadership: Manage and inspire your kitchen team, handling rotas, ordering, and maintaining strict budget control without compromising on food quality.

* Regulatory Compliance: Maintain rigorous food safety standards, ensuring the kitchen easily meets CQC requirements and retains its 5-star food hygiene rating.

* Resident Connection: Actively engage with residents to learn their personal preferences, working alongside the nursing team to track nutrition and hydration levels.

What We’re Looking For

* Experience: A strong background as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef. Experience in an elderly care home, nursing environment, or hospital is highly advantageous.

* Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) and a Level 3 Award in Food Safety.

* Expertise: A solid understanding of clinical nutrition for older people and hands-on experience with IDDSI / texture-modified food preparation.

* Key Attributes: A patient, compassionate professional who values teamwork and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults.

Why Join Us?

* Work-Life Balance: Reliable daytime shifts, helping you build a stable routine and enjoy your evenings.

* Purpose-Driven Work: A deeply rewarding environment where your cooking directly supports the health and happiness of elderly residents.

* Professional Support: Access to specialized training in elderly nutrition, clinical dietary requirements, and dementia care awareness.

* Perks: Competitive pension, funded DBS check, uniform provided, and free meals on shift