• Head Chef
• Great work-life balance
• Premium Retirement Complex
• West Malling
• £48,000

We're recruiting for an exceptional Head Chef to lead the launch of a brand-new restaurant within a premium retirement complex in West Malling. This is a rare opportunity to shape an exciting new dining concept from the very beginning, creating a restaurant-quality experience that residents will look forward to every day.

The role offers an excellent work-life balance, with predominantly daytime shifts. Some flexibility will be required to cover occasional evenings and weekends.

As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of all aspects of the kitchen operation, from menu development and hospitality events through to team leadership, food safety, and commercial performance. You'll play a key role in delivering an outstanding dining experience within a state-of-the-art retirement community.

About You

• Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Head Chef or an experienced Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• Passion for delivering high-quality, fresh food.
• Proven experience managing teams, budgets, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• An understanding of the nutritional and dietary needs of older adults.
• Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Great work-life balance
• The opportunity to launch and shape a brand-new restaurant from day one.
• Modern, state-of-the-art kitchen and restaurant facilities.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• A supportive working environment where quality is valued over volume.
• Excellent work-life balance compared with many traditional hospitality roles.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference by creating exceptional dining experiences for residents every day.

If you're an ambitious and creative chef looking for a rewarding role that combines culinary excellence, leadership, and work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.