Head Chef

Head Chef

£40,000 per annum

40 hours per week (7am - 6pm)

Cedar Lodge, Eastfield Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Reading, RG8 7EJ

Role Overview

You’re a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress, you have ideas for menus and understand that food is the window to the soul! You have learned alongside another chef, how to manage kitchens, including EHO requirements. However, you’re tired of long days, split shifts, working through into the night and don’t get time at home with the family or to go out with friends.

 What if there was a chef role that meant you could utilise all the learning you have had before AND you could forget long hours into the night, you didn’t need to do split shifts and you had the opportunity to bring flair to menus whilst also learning about the nutritional needs of our older population? Would that be something you would love to do? Read on…….

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking and growing organisation. As the Head Chef at Cedar Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here.  You will have the overall responsibility for the catering services within Cedar Lodge and you will lead by example.  You will be responsible for the team rota, food ordering, stock control including waste, ensuring that all allergies are recorded and shared with your team.  You will liaise with the people that live in the home and attend resident dining experiences.   The kitchen and food preparation areas need to be kept clean and tidy.  You will also have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety issues, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within the guidelines relating to cross infection.

 Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the catering team.
• Ensure the staff rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, both on-site and off-site, as required.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and cross-infection guidelines.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.

Skills, Qualifications and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience within a similar environment desirable
• NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work on a 7-day rota which will include weekends 

The Company and Care Home

Bracebridge Care Group (soon to be renamed as EQ Care Group) is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for two years now, we currently have four homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.

Cedar Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2025. Our newly built 45-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Whitchurch-on-Thames, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Cedar Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Cedar Lodge.

 Benefits

• 1/2-day off to start your birthday celebrations early
• Blue Light Discount Card
• 28 days annual leave 
• Salary advance scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Contributory pension
• Dedicated Learning & Development 

Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.

** This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice