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- Tasks: Lead meal prep and manage kitchen operations in a luxury care home.
- Company: Braeburn Lodge is a growing luxury residential home in Beenham, Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, 5.6 weeks holiday, and paid breaks.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team focused on enhancing the lives of residents through quality meals.
- Qualifications: 2 years kitchen experience required; Level 2 Food and Hygiene preferred.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for training and career development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Braeburn Lodge is a 12-bed luxury residential home, which opened in July 2018, based in Beenham, Reading.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Workplace Pension Scheme
- Flexible working hours
- 5.6 weeks holiday
- Paid breaks
- An opportunity to work for a growing company
- Outstanding training & career development opportunities with continuous support
Job Type / Category
Full Time - 36-42 hours per week
Required Education, Skills and Qualifications
To have 2 years experience working in a kitchen is required, preferably in a care home or hospital setting. Level 2 Food and Hygiene is preferred but not essential.
Responsibilities
- To manage the preparation of all meals in the Care Home and to undertake a range of tasks associated with food preparation.
- Ensure that appropriate clothing, including head ware, is always worn by staff working within the kitchen area.
- To ensure that all food preparation is contained within the food budget.
- Monitoring kitchen stock and ordering supplies.
- Ensuring high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained.
- Developing healthy and balanced meals in consultation with residents and staff.
- Good organisational skills.
- To be able to motivate people.
- To have good time management and ability to schedule and plan.
- 100% committed to helping improve the quality of life of vulnerable people.
- Be comfortable working within either a team setting or lone working.
Contact Detail:
Milkwood Care Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of residents in care homes. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable people.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the care home sector. Attend local culinary events or workshops where you can meet others in the industry, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a sample menu that includes healthy and balanced meals. Presenting this during an interview can highlight your creativity and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Braeburn Lodge specifically. Understanding their values and how they operate will allow you to tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in kitchen management, particularly in care home or hospital settings. Emphasise your organisational skills and any experience you have with food budgeting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and caring for vulnerable people. Mention your commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards and your ability to develop healthy meals in consultation with residents.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a Level 2 Food and Hygiene certificate, be sure to mention it. If not, express your willingness to obtain it. This shows your dedication to maintaining safety and hygiene in the kitchen.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your time management skills, ability to motivate others, and experience working both in teams and independently. These are crucial for the Head Cook role at Braeburn Lodge.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milkwood Care Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous kitchen experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've created and any special dietary requirements you've catered for, especially in a care home or hospital setting.
✨Emphasise Hygiene Standards
Since maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial, be ready to talk about your knowledge of food safety practices. If you have a Level 2 Food and Hygiene certificate, mention it, but also discuss how you ensure cleanliness in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
As a Head Cook, you'll need to motivate your team. Share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on your organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively.
✨Connect with the Care Home's Values
Braeburn Lodge is committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable people. Be sure to express your passion for this mission and how your cooking can contribute to the residents' well-being.
