Chef & Kitchen Assistant in Burgess Hill

Chef & Kitchen Assistant in Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ANH

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare high-quality meals and oversee kitchen operations in a supportive care environment.
  • Company: Join Augustinian Care, a respected organisation with over 150 years of experience in elderly care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, uniform, and transport, plus ongoing training opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts in a beautiful setting with a strong team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in catering and relevant qualifications are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Company Augustinian Care is a well-established organisation with a proud heritage of delivering high-quality care, guided by traditional principles that have been upheld by the Augustinian Sisters since 1868. Today, we combine these values with modern facilities to provide outstanding care within a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Located between Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, our services are set within 250 acres of beautiful gardens and farmland, offering a peaceful and therapeutic setting for both residents and staff.

We offer a wide range of services and facilities on site, including two purpose-built care homes with nursing, specialising in dementia care for individuals aged 60 and over with complex needs. Our large, committed team delivers person-centred care in a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment, ensuring each individual is supported to live with dignity, comfort, and wellbeing. In addition, we offer independent living for those over the age of 60 in our retirement village, alongside our assisted living development, creating a diverse and supportive community tailored to different levels of need.

We are committed to developing talent at every level, which is why we actively support employee apprenticeships across a range of disciplines. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to upskill, our apprenticeship pathways offer the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working, earning, and learning on the job. We provide ongoing mentorship and a supportive environment that helps you build confidence, grow professionally, and take the next step in your career with us.

Benefits

  • Competitive remuneration
  • Job security - Augustinian Care have been caring for the elderly for over 150 years
  • Annual pay reviews
  • Free uniform provided - For all care and ancillary positions
  • Free staff transport - Mini bus pickups on specified routes
  • Free on site secure parking
  • DBS checks - Company funded checks
  • Free meal - One free meal provided when on duty (hot for day shifts and Sandwiches on nights)
  • Life Cover - based on a multiple of the last 12 months earnings at date of death
  • Employee Assistance Programme including free, confidential, access to advice line and counselling
  • Access to Blue Light Card – extensive range of discounts on many high street & online brands/shops
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee Referral Scheme - with generous rewards (T&C's apply)
  • Long service awards - Financial recognition of long service and commitment
  • Paid sick leave (T&C's apply)
  • Some other staff benefits include: Staff massage chair, Company Summer Fete and Christmas Party, staff prize draws, various staff well-being talks

The Role

As a Multisite Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our catering services across St George’s Park. This is a unique opportunity to work across a single, beautifully located site, covering four different kitchens within our Retirement Village, Care Homes, and Assisted Living Development—offering excellent variety in your role.

You will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals for our residents at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring exceptional standards of food, service, hygiene, and cleanliness are consistently maintained. When leading a shift as Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen function, including overseeing the catering team. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organisational skills are therefore essential for success in this role.

In addition, there will be occasions where you will support the wider team by working as a Kitchen Assistant, with no reduction in pay. During these shifts, you will assist the Chef on duty with food preparation, service, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. This flexible, team-focused approach makes you an integral part of delivering a high-quality dining experience for our residents.

Working Hours

  • Full-time position (40 hours per week)
  • 4 x 10 hour shifts
  • Shifts are rostered and include alternate weekend working, so flexibility to work any day of the week is essential
  • Earliest start time: 07:00
  • Latest finish time: 21:00

Requirements

The successful candidate will hold, or be working towards, City and Guilds 706 1 & 2 qualifications or equivalent, relevant qualifications, and current Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3. The successful candidate will also have at least 2 years’ experience in catering, or a similar role, and be able to work well under pressure. All posts are subject to a clear enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references.

Although it is no longer a legal requirement for staff working within CQC regulated Care Homes for Older Adult Care in England to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated, in the best interests of our staff and residents, we have decided to keep it a mandatory requirement to work for our organisation. Therefore, we will need proof of your COVID Vaccination pass.

Chef & Kitchen Assistant in Burgess Hill employer: ANH

Augustinian Care is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where employees can thrive in their careers. With a commitment to professional development through apprenticeships and ongoing mentorship, staff enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a unique opportunity to work in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful gardens. Our culture prioritises respect, dignity, and well-being, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about delivering high-quality care.

ANH

Contact Details:

ANH Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef & Kitchen Assistant in Burgess Hill

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Augustinian Care. Understand their values and how they deliver care. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on your experience in catering and how it aligns with the role of Chef & Kitchen Assistant. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!

Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring along a portfolio of your culinary creations or even a dish you've prepared. This can really impress the interviewers and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Augustinian Care site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Chef & Kitchen Assistant in Burgess Hill

Culinary Skills
Food Preparation
Food Hygiene
Leadership Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to the care we provide. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for creating delicious meals that bring joy to others.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous roles in catering or similar positions. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with our commitment to high-quality food service and person-centred care.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!

How to prepare for a job interview at ANH

Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Chef & Kitchen Assistant role. Understand the importance of high-quality meals and hygiene standards, as well as the unique environment at Augustinian Care. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous catering experience in detail. Highlight any leadership roles you've had, especially if you've overseen a kitchen or team. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've maintained high standards under pressure, which is crucial for this position.

Emphasise Teamwork

Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the kitchen, supported your team during busy shifts, and contributed to a positive working environment.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the kitchen's operations, the team dynamics, or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.