Head Cook

Main Duties

• Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences are met.
• Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served safely in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.
• Maintain excellent standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
• Oversee and support the kitchen team, ensuring duties are carried out effectively.
• Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines and Resident needs.
• Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor costs in line with budgets.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen records as required.
• Participate in audits and inspections, ensuring full compliance at all times.
• Attend all required training sessions.
• Carry out any additional duties as requested by management.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to support the home during busy or unexpected situations.
• Promote good housekeeping and safe working practices within the kitchen.
• Flexibility to work across multiple homes within the business to support staffing needs.
• Administration Duties
• Maintain up‑to‑date kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and stock sheets.
• Report any equipment faults, hazards, or concerns to the Manager/Deputy Manager.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with company procedures.
• General & Personal Development
• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
• Organised, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.
• Physically fit to carry out kitchen duties.
• Ability to give clear instructions and constructive feedback.
• Punctual, professional, and well‑presented.
• Flexible approach to working patterns to meet the needs of the Care Home
• Flexible approach to work including change of working patterns to suit the Care Home