Head Chef - St Vincent's Retirement home

Job Posted: 9 February 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Part time
• Salary: Competitive
• Industries: Catering, Hospitality & Bar Chefs Health & Social Care

Head Chef – Make a Difference Every Day

Love food, leadership, and creating moments that matter?
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Head Chef to take charge of the kitchen in our warm and welcoming 25-bed care home. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants more than just a kitchen role — it’s about bringing joy, comfort, and creativity to our residents through great food.

The Role:
As Head Chef, you’ll lead all aspects of our kitchen, delivering nutritious, delicious meals while adding a spark of fun with themed party days and special event menus that our residents truly look forward to.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare fresh, balanced meals tailored to residents’ needs

• Design and oversee themed party day menus and special occasion meals

• Cater for special dietary and medical requirements

• Oversee kitchen rotas and staff scheduling

• Manage stock control, ordering, and budgets

• Maintain and update Environmental Health and food safety documentation

• Ensure excellent standards of hygiene, health & safety, and compliance

• Lead, motivate, and support the kitchen team

• Ensure meals are served on time and to a consistently high standard

About You:

• Experienced Head Chef or similar (care home experience preferred but not essential)

• Confident managing rotas and Environmental Health documentation

• Creative, organised, and passionate about food

• Understanding of dietary needs for older people

• A positive, can-do attitude with strong leadership skills

• Food Hygiene Level 3 (or willing to work towards)

What We Offer:

• Full-time, permanent role

• Competitive salary

• Supportive, friendly working environment

• Freedom to be creative with menus and themed events

• The chance to make a genuine difference to residents’ daily lives

Interested?

Apply now with your CV and a short covering note — we’d love to hear from you.