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
