We are looking for a skilled and motivated Kitchen Chef to join our catering team, preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for residents in care homes. You will play a vital role in ensuring residents’ dietary and nutritional needs are met, while maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards.

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This role is ideal for an experienced chef with a passion for cooking and the ability to adapt meals for specialist diets within a healthcare environment.

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About the Role

1. Meal Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook a variety of meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs, including special diets (e.g. IDDSI texture-modified diets, diabetic, allergy-specific).

• Ensure meals are balanced, well-presented, and meet portion requirements.

2. Kitchen Management

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised kitchen at all times.

• Adhere to food hygiene, infection control, and health & safety standards.

• Manage stock levels, monitor supplies, and support with ordering.

3. Team Collaboration

• Work alongside care and management teams to ensure all nutritional requirements are met.

• Support, mentor, or oversee kitchen assistants and catering staff when required.

4. Compliance & Documentation

• Complete all required kitchen records (temperature logs, cleaning schedules, compliance forms).

• Follow company policies, environmental health regulations, and care sector standards.

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Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety (including IDDSI training)

• Basic Health & Safety training

• Professional cooking experience in a care home, healthcare, education, or hospitality setting

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​Preferred (Training Provided if Needed):

• Level 3 Food Hygiene / HACCP certification

• Allergen Awareness training

• Experience with care sector dietary requirements

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Personal Qualities

• Personal Qualities

• Passion for creating fresh, nutritious meals

• Reliable, well-organised, and able to work independently

• Adaptable to different dietary requirements and menu changes

• Strong teamwork and communication skills

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Salary & Benefits

• Flexible shift patterns across multiple care homes in Hampshire

• Support with further professional development

• Potential progression into a permanent role with our client, depending on performance and demonstrated potential