At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, seasonal meals for residents.
- Company: Join B&M Care, a compassionate team dedicated to providing quality care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with competitive pay and supportive colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through nourishing food and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or higher.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a rewarding environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head Cook to prepare meals that are nourishing and well presented. Creating seasonal menus based on the input of the residents, families and management, taking into consideration dietary requirements and ensuring the kitchen is clean and up to all regulations.
Rate of Pay: To be discussed at interview
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Hours: Full time
Location: Northampton - Templemore
Working in care can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do. When you join the B&M Care family, our 'whole home approach' ensures that you will be supported as part of a caring, compassionate team.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- To compile seasonal menus with the input of the residents, families and the Home Manager that are varied, and consist of meals that will be suitable for the residents taking into account backgrounds, culture and dietary requirements.
- To be responsible for the delivery of excellence in relation to meal times and dining room/mealtime experience and presentation.
- Ensure the cleanliness and hygienic appearance of the kitchen.
- To also be accountable for food standards and meeting health & safety regulations.
- Ensuring that all practices are of a high standard and are monitored.
- Ensure effective finance controls - adhering to budgets set out by the company.
- Manage and develop your kitchen team, to include supervisions, appraisals as well as inducting new members of the team.
Essential Skills, Characteristics and Experience:
- Must hold a Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or above.
Head Cook employer: Templemore
Contact Detail:
Templemore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and preferences of the residents. Understanding their needs will not only help you create appealing menus but also demonstrate your commitment to providing personalised care.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to manage a kitchen team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed team members in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head Cook position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience with food safety and hygiene regulations. Be ready to share examples of how you've maintained high standards in your kitchen, as this is essential for ensuring compliance and safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to menu planning and budgeting. Being able to articulate how you balance creativity with cost-effectiveness will show that you can meet the financial controls set by the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Head Cook position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in meal preparation, menu planning, and kitchen management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous roles in the kitchen, particularly any experience with creating seasonal menus or working in care settings. Mention any specific dietary knowledge you have that aligns with the needs of residents.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or above in your application. Discuss your ability to manage a kitchen team, maintain cleanliness, and adhere to health and safety regulations, as these are crucial for the role.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and caring for others. Mention how you can contribute to the 'whole home approach' at B&M Care and why you believe you would be a great fit for their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Templemore
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Be prepared to discuss your experience in creating seasonal menus. Highlight any specific examples where you tailored meals to meet dietary requirements or cultural backgrounds, as this will demonstrate your ability to cater to the diverse needs of residents.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Since a Food Hygiene Certificate is essential for this role, make sure to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations. You could mention specific practices you implement to maintain cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen.
✨Discuss Team Management Skills
As a Head Cook, you'll be managing a kitchen team. Be ready to share your experiences in leading a team, conducting appraisals, and how you support new members during their induction. This shows that you can foster a positive working environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Demonstrate your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, the team dynamics, and how they incorporate feedback from residents and families into meal planning. This shows that you are proactive and engaged.