Lead Chef – Bring Your Culinary Passion to Norden House!Are you a talented chef with a big heart and brilliant leadership skills? We are on the lookout for a high-energy, enthusiastic Lead Chef to deputy manage our kitchen operations at Norden House! This is your chance to lead a fantastic team, get creative with delicious seasonal menus, and bring daily smiles to our wonderful residents through the joy of great food. If you love variety, teamwork, and making a real difference, we want you on our team!The Good Stuff (Pay, Location & Flexibility)

• Fantastic Rate: £16.20 per hour.
• Our Location: Norden House, Littlehampton.
• Your Lifestyle: Full-time and part-time hours available to suit you perfectly.

Amazing Perks You’ll Love!

• Health & Happiness: Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme, Employee Assistance Programme, and Occupational Health Support.
• On-Site Care: In-house Mental Health First Aiders and eye test vouchers to keep you feeling your best.
• Great Savings: Fully eligible for the Blue Light Card discount and a cycle to work scheme.
• Family Friendly: Enhanced maternity and paternity policies to support your life outside of work.
• Extra Rewards: Long service award vouchers, life assurance, and a rewarding employee referral scheme.
• Stress-Free Start: Free on-site parking, plus we fully cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check.

Why You Will Love This Leadership Role

• Lead and Inspire: Act as Deputy to the Head Chef and build a positive, buzzing kitchen culture.
• Get Creative: Help design fresh, high-quality seasonal menus that our residents will truly love.
• Grow Your Career: Gain brilliant management experience, coach your team, and run a top-tier kitchen.

Your Daily Ingredients (What You Will Do)

• Team Leadership: Supervise, coach, and motivate Second Chefs and Kitchen Assistants daily.
• Culinary Excellence: Prepare nutritious meals, manage stock, and assist with seasonal menu planning.
• Specialist Nutrition: Partner with care teams to deliver IDDSI diets, allergy-safe meals, and personal preferences.
• People Management: Conduct staff supervisions, appraisals, inductions, and training compliance.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain flawless records for HACCP, COSHH, CQC, and Environmental Health.
• Kitchen Operations: Manage the department in the Head Chef’s absence, ensuring strict budget control.

What You Bring to the Table

• Culinary Flair: Proven experience in menu planning and catering for diverse dietary needs.
• Strong Leadership: Ability to manage, instruct, and adapt to changing environments.
• Great Communication: Fluent English (written and spoken) to lead teams and liaise with care staff.
• Proactive Attitude: Approachable, organised, and full of positive energy.

Qualifications & Training

• Essential: Level 3 Food Hygiene certificate and deep knowledge of allergens.
• Essential: Excellent communication and organisation skills.
• Desirable: City & Guilds 706/1 or 706/2, NVQ Level 2 in Catering, or CIEH Award in Special Diets.
• Desirable: Level 4 Food Hygiene or Nutrition Level 2.

What we can offer you!

At HMT, we offer a fulfilling and rewarding work environment that values your dedication and contributions. Enjoy a range of benefits, including: -

Cycle to work scheme

Life assurance

Referral scheme

Occupational Health Support

Health and Wellbeing Programme

Long Service Award Vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid Enhanced DBS

In-house Mental Health First Aiders

Eye test vouchers

Eligible for Blue Light Card

Free Parking

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Policy.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Littlehampton BN17 5SN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)