At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team to create high-quality fine dining dishes for residents.
- Company: Join Hallmark Care Homes, a family-run provider dedicated to care and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, excellent career progression, and perks like pension and healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Food Hygiene and 2 years of kitchen management experience required.
- Other info: Work every other weekend and finish by 7pm most days for a great work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hallmark Care Homes is a family-run provider of care homes across the UK, we understand the importance of nurturing relationships and so all of our care is centred around family values.
An amazing opportunity to make the difference to people\’s lives and wellbeing. Creating high quality fine dining dishes from scratch (including sauces !)
The role is a unique one where you\’ll only need to work every other weekend and until 7pm most days !
The Role:
Reporting to the Hospitality Service Manager, the Head Chef is responsible for ensuring high quality of food service and meal preparation within the home.
The Head Chef will lead and manage the catering team working closely with the other service teams ensuring the highest service standards are achieved.
You will:
- Support the Hospitality Services Manager in the recruitment, induction and training of the catering team.
- Support with the management of team rotas and ensure the correct team levels are on shift at any time.
- Ensure the food levels are correct and in line with budgets, and manage the stock control of crockery, cutlery and glassware.
- Ensure the catering services and dining experience is of the highest standard by promoting choice and dignity to the residents’ dietary needs.
- Adhere to all Health and Safety regulations by monitoring hygiene standards and equipment safety checks.
You will be:
- Outstanding. We are rated by residents, relatives and our communities so highly because of our team.
- Ethical. We do things the right way, and live by our Charter.
- Qualified with an NVQ Level 3 in Food Hygiene.
- Experienced in a kitchen environment, with 2 years’ experience with managing finances and budgeting.
You can expect:
- To work with a company that is values driven and sees people as our greatest asset.
- Industry leading training and development coupled with excellent career progression.
- Excellent benefits, including pension, life assurance, and optional healthcare as standard.
- Use of our rewards and discount scheme – Hallmark Rewards.
- Work – Life balance.
To apply for the opportunity, please send your CV to us today.
Hallmark Care Homes is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and in the workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional options, you’d like to request in making your application, please contact the recruitment team on 01277 314191 or send an email to
Head Chef employer: Hallmark Luxury Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Hallmark Luxury Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hallmark Care Homes' values and mission. Understanding their family-oriented approach will help you align your interview responses with their ethos, showcasing how you can contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen team and how you've successfully maintained high standards in food quality and hygiene. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a positive dining experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your financial management skills, especially in budgeting and stock control. Be prepared to explain how you've effectively managed costs while ensuring quality, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for fine dining and creativity in meal preparation. Bring ideas for unique dishes or menus that could enhance the residents' dining experience, demonstrating your commitment to providing exceptional service.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen management and food preparation. Emphasise your qualifications, such as the NVQ Level 3 in Food Hygiene, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for fine dining and your commitment to high-quality service. Mention how your values align with Hallmark Care Homes' family-oriented approach and your understanding of dietary needs.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully managed a catering team, including recruitment, training, and managing rotas. Highlight any experience you have in maintaining hygiene standards and budget management.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create high-quality dishes from scratch. Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques, favourite recipes, and how you ensure the quality of your meals. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work or photos of your dishes.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
This role involves managing a catering team, so highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past, your approach to training new staff, and how you foster a positive working environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenges within a team.
✨Understand Budget Management
Since managing finances and budgeting is crucial for this position, be prepared to talk about your experience with cost control and stock management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles and any strategies you used to stay within financial limits.
✨Commit to Health and Safety Standards
Health and safety are paramount in a kitchen environment. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure hygiene standards are met. You might want to mention any certifications you hold, such as your NVQ Level 3 in Food Hygiene, and how you implement these practices in your daily work.