At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare high-quality meals and oversee kitchen operations in a supportive care environment.
- Company: Augustinian Care, a trusted organisation with over 150 years of experience in elderly care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, uniform, transport, and extensive employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in residents' lives through quality dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and relevant food hygiene certifications required.
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
- Our rates of pay are competitive, and our staff benefits are extensive and include free uniform, free meal, and a free staff minibus service from both the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath areas.
- 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. This role does not meet the requirements of Sponsorship. You must have current valid right to work in the UK.
Chef & Kitchen Assistant 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 the unique opportunity to work in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and farmland. Join our dedicated team and contribute to delivering high-quality care while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef & Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Augustinian Care and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to care and catering. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the Chef & Kitchen Assistant role. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills, as these are key for success in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Augustinian Care family.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef & Kitchen Assistant
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 personal experiences that highlight your commitment to quality food and service.
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 needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention specific aspects of our organisation that resonate with you, like our commitment to high-quality care and community support.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANH
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing at Augustinian Care, especially those that cater to dietary needs of elderly residents. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of nutrition in care.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Chef & Kitchen Assistant, teamwork is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight any leadership experiences too, as they’ll want to see you can take charge when needed while still being a supportive team member.
✨Emphasise Hygiene Practices
Since maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food safety regulations and your experience with cleanliness in the kitchen. Mention your Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 and any specific practices you follow to ensure a safe cooking environment.
✨Flexibility is Key
With shifts that include weekends and varying hours, demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Share past experiences where you’ve successfully managed changing schedules or worked under pressure, showing that you can thrive in a dynamic kitchen setting.
