Job Description

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to help launch our brand-new restaurant Yarrow at The Willowbury Retirement Village in West Malling. This is a rare opportunity to shape the food offering from day one and play a key role in creating a dining experience residents will genuinely look forward to every day.

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all aspects of the kitchen operation - from seasonal menu creation and hospitality events to team leadership, food safety, and commercial performance - delivering restaurant-quality dining within a state-of-the-art retirement community.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Create fresh, seasonal, and nutritious menus tailored to residents’ tastes and dietary needs
• Champion locally sourced ingredients and high-quality produce wherever possible
• Lead catering for special events, private dining, and village hospitality functions
• Maintain accurate recipe, allergen, and menu data within procurement and EPoS systems

Kitchen Operations & Commercial Management

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, managing rotas, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Manage stock control, ordering, and monthly stocktakes effectively
• Deliver strong food margins while maintaining exceptional quality standards
• Drive operational efficiency and cost-effective procurement practices

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and kitchen compliance
• Conduct daily kitchen and dining area checks to ensure consistency and cleanliness
• Ensure equipment maintenance, audits, and compliance records are fully up to date

Team Development & Culture

• Build a positive, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen culture
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of kitchen staff
• Create Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and training opportunities for the team

Resident Experience

• Engage regularly with residents to gather feedback and continuously enhance the dining experience
• Help create a warm, welcoming restaurant atmosphere that reflects the community spirit of the village

About You

Essential

• Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification (or equivalent)
• Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef within a quality-led environment
• Passion for delivering high-quality, fresh food
• Proven experience managing teams, budgets, and kitchen operations
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Understanding of the nutritional and dietary needs of older adults
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Experience within hospitality, care, or retirement living environments
• Experience with event catering and hospitality functions
• Knowledge of kitchen management systems and Microsoft Office

Our Values

• Age Well – Supporting people to live life to the fullest
• Community – Creating meaningful connections every day
• Keep Improving – Continuously learning and evolving
• Planet Positive – Acting responsibly for our environment
• One Team – Working together with trust and respect

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Brand-new kitchen and restaurant facilities
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• The opportunity to shape and grow a flagship restaurant from launch