At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook and cater meals for residents in two care homes, ensuring high standards of service.
- Company: Join Aurem Care, a top-rated care home group dedicated to excellence and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, competitive pay, free meals, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth with a focus on employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a supportive and fun environment.
- Qualifications: Previous cooking experience and knowledge of special diets are essential.
Make a Difference Through Great Food
Are you passionate about cooking and creating nutritious, delicious meals?
Do you enjoy making a positive impact on people's lives through food and hospitality?
At Aurem Care, we understand that mealtimes are an important part of our residents' day. We're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Cook to join our kitchen team and help provide high-quality meals that support the wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents.
About the Role
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in delivering nutritious, well-balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and service.
This is a rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to engage with residents, understand their preferences, and contribute to creating a positive dining experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen.
- Supervise and support kitchen assistants and trainees, identifying any training needs.
- Prepare and cook nutritious meals to a high standard.
- Prepare special dietary meals in accordance with residents' care plans and nutritional requirements.
- Ensure excellent service delivery at all meal times.
- Complete and maintain all HACCP documentation accurately.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety.
- Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control.
- Assist with menu planning and development.
- Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and stock control.
- Undertake the responsibilities of the Head Chef in their absence.Carry out any reasonable duties required to support the smooth running of the home.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will:
- Have previous cooking experience, ideally within a care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environment.
- Have knowledge of nutritional requirements and special diets.
- Be confident with stock control, ordering, and food management procedures.
- Have a good understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
- Possess strong communication and organisational skills.Be able to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.Enjoy engaging with residents and supporting positive dining experiences.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Hold a Food Hygiene qualification (desirable).
Working Hours
- Bank contract, flexible shifts covering weekday's and weekend's
Benefits
- Rate of Pay: £15 per hour
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part‑time contracts)
- Life insurance
- Free DBS check (subject to T&Cs)
- Free on‑site parking
- Company pension scheme
- Wagestream – access earned wages before payday
- Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental wellbeing support
- Access to our e‑learning platform, Hippo
- Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities
- Annual salary review
- A supportive organisation where people are valued, respected, and empowered
Important Note
Aurem Care is not a sponsoring organisation. All applicants must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure it independently.
Why Join Aurem Care?
Aurem Care is proud to have been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional care and support across our homes.
We believe our care homes should be happy homes, where residents feel valued, comfortable, and cared for, and where colleagues enjoy being part of a supportive and rewarding team.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do:
Diversity | Integrity | Fun | Committed | Connecting
If these values resonate with you and you're ready to make a difference then apply now and become a vital part of the Aurem Care family!
Chef (Bank) employer: Aurem Care Shared Services Limited
Aurem Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its residents and staff, fostering a supportive work culture in the heart of Caterham, Surrey. With flexible shifts, competitive pay, and a commitment to employee growth through free training and apprenticeship opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in creating happy homes where diversity, integrity, and fun are at the core of everything we do.
Contact Details:
Aurem Care Shared Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef (Bank)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of residents in care homes. Understanding special diets and nutritional requirements will not only help you stand out but also show your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills during any informal conversations or interviews. Since you'll be working closely with assistants and trainees, demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the care homes if possible, or research them online to understand their values and culture. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous cooking experiences in detail, especially any roles where you had to manage food safety and hygiene standards. This will demonstrate your capability to maintain high standards in a care home setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef (Bank)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your cooking experience, especially in care settings or with special dietary needs. Include any relevant qualifications and training that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and caring for residents. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in a team and engage with people, as well as your commitment to maintaining high standards of health and hygiene.
Showcase Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise skills such as menu planning, portion control, and communication. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in previous roles.
Highlight Your Values:Aurem Care values diversity, integrity, and commitment. Make sure to express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment for residents.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurem Care Shared Services Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your love for cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you can cater to special dietary needs, as this role involves working closely with residents in a care home.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Discuss past experiences where you collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, especially in high-pressure environments, as this role requires working alongside assistants and trainees.
✨Emphasise Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would interact with care staff and residents, ensuring that meal preparations meet their needs and preferences. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Health and Hygiene
Since maintaining health and hygiene standards is crucial, be ready to answer questions about your knowledge of food safety practices. Familiarise yourself with HACCP guidelines and be prepared to discuss how you ensure cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
