Head Chef

At Retirement Villages Group, we believe that ageing should be about freedom, not compromise. We're on a mission to redefine retirement living in the UK, creating inclusive, vibrant communities where people can live independently, stay connected and age well on their own terms. We're looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Debden Grange, our beautiful retirement village in Saffron Walden. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to take ownership of the culinary offering within a vibrant community. You'll lead the kitchen team, create exciting seasonal menus and deliver high-quality dining experiences for residents, their families and visitors. This is a 37.5-hour per week role, working 40 hours including your unpaid break, across 5 days out of 7. While flexibility is required to meet the needs of the business, the role will typically include Friday and Saturday as days off.

What You'll Be Doing

Menu Development & Culinary Leadership

• Create seasonal, nutritious and flavourful menus that appeal to a diverse range of tastes and dietary requirements
• Champion fresh, high-quality and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible
• Develop exciting daily menus and specials that keep the dining experience fresh and engaging
• Lead on catering for special events, functions and hospitality across the village
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date dish information within procurement and EPoS systems

Kitchen Operations & Commercial Management

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team
• Manage rotas, staffing and performance
• Control food costs, stock levels and wastage
• Complete regular stocktakes and manage kitchen budgets effectively
• Drive strong food margins while never compromising on quality or resident experience

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and kitchen compliance
• Complete regular walk-throughs of kitchen and dining areas
• Ensure equipment is maintained and any issues are reported promptly
• Keep all food safety records, audits and internal systems up to date

Team Development

• Build a positive, supportive and high-performing kitchen culture
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of new team members
• Develop chefs and kitchen team members through training, coaching and Personal Development Plans
• Lead by example and encourage a collaborative, professional working environment

Resident Experience

• At Debden Grange, food plays an important part in community life. You'll have the opportunity to get to know our residents, understand what they enjoy and use their feedback to continually develop the dining experience. You'll create food that residents genuinely look forward to, while ensuring the kitchen also delivers a welcoming and memorable experience for visitors and guests.

About You

Essential

• Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification, or equivalent
• Experience as a Head Chef or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
• Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for high-quality food
• Experience leading and developing a kitchen team
• Experience managing food costs, budgets and stock
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• An understanding of a range of dietary requirements
• A willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Experience within hospitality, retirement living, care or a similar environment
• Experience using kitchen compliance and procurement systemsKnowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience delivering catering for events and functions

Our Values

• Age Well - We create opportunities to live life to the full at every stage
• Community - We believe in the power of togetherness
• Keep Improving - We learn, adapt and grow continuously
• Planet Positive - We care for the environment and act responsibly
• One Team - We succeed together, with support and trust

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 37.5 hours per week, working 40 hours including your unpaid break
• 5 days out of 7, with Friday and Saturday typically being your days off
• Free meals while on shift
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing and recognition initiatives
• The opportunity to lead and shape the food offering within a vibrant retirement community