Job Description:

Be all you can be with Hamberley. Be part of something special from the very beginning - register your interest to join the team at our brand-new Thames Wood House Care Home opening in 2026.

At Hamberley, we believe that our residents deserve something 'Extra Special, Every Day'. We're seeking a Head Chef to help us achieve our goals.

As our Head chef, you will be leading, managing and be accountable for the kitchen team to achieve and maintain an exceptional dining experience for our residents.

Thames Wood House, our soon to open luxury care home that provides residential, dementia, and nursing care for older people, you'll be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about the health and well-being of our residents.

This role is required to start in August 2026 ahead of the care home opening schedule.

We offer our colleagues:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• 28 days holiday inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Quality-linked bonus scheme - A performance bonus tied to our CQC quality rating, rewarding you for helping us deliver outstanding care.
• Workplace pension for your future security
• Chefs Forum - meet with culinary professionals for support, opportunities for professional development, networking and training across the business/industry.
• A true team culture - A collaborative, encouraging working environment where kindness, respect, and professional pride are at the heart of everything we do
• Excellent training and career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health and wellbeing support services
• Everyday saving perks - Access to a wide range of retail discounts and savings
• Free on-site parking
• Rewarding connections - Refer a Friend bonus - earn up to £750 per successful referral because great people know great people.

What you'll be doing

• Plan and prepare menus that are nutritionally balanced, varied, and cater to individual dietary requirements (e.g., diabetic, vegetarian, allergen-free).
• Lead the kitchen team, ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient environment that meets all health and safety standards.
• Oversee food ordering and stock management, maintaining cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Engage with residents to understand their preferences and ensure they enjoy mealtimes.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional atmosphere.

Could you be part of our team?

About You:

We're looking for people with great organisational and people skills to join our team.

• Proven experience as a head chef, ideally in a care home or healthcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of dietary requirements, allergen management, and food safety standards.
• Leadership skills and the ability to inspire and manage a team.
• A friendly and approachable demeanor with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Understanding of care home regulations and requirements is desirable.
• Empathy and a desire to make a difference to the lives of our residents
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast-paced environment

If this sounds like you and you're looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact in the lives of others, this rewarding career is for you.

Due to the high level of interest we anticipate for this role, we may close this advert earlier than the stated closing date to manage applications effectively. If you're interested in joining us at Hamberley, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Join us at Wargrave's most stunning care home

Thames Wood House Care home is a luxurious care home in Wargrave, Reading, part of the award-winning Hamberley Care Homes - offering luxury care homes in beautiful locations throughout the UK. Residents live in spacious, stylish ensuite rooms, and enjoy beautifully furnished shared spaces and landscaped gardens. From the deluxe picture house - where we screen classic films - to the on-site luxury spa - offering hairdressing, manicures and relaxing therapies - everything has been designed and finished with the care and attention you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

Hamberley People

We respect and value our residents and each other. At Hamberley Care Homes, we believe in the importance of what we do and why we do it. Creative and empowered, our people see every day as an opportunity for growth and development. We make ideas happen. Together we can achieve anything.

Be part of something special. Be part of Hamberley.