At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals for residents in a care home.
- Company: Join Aurem Care, a top-rated care home group dedicated to outstanding care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, life insurance, and free training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on employee wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while doing what you love.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 16.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact in your local community? Do you have a passion for cooking and experience managing a kitchen team? Would you enjoy working closely with residents in a care home to provide nutritious, high-quality meals? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team within our care home. You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring meals are prepared to the highest standards, delivered on time, and tailored to meet the needs of our residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate all kitchen operations to ensure food is prepared to agreed standards and deadlines.
- Implement and oversee kitchen controls, including menus, hygiene, health and safety, staffing, cleaning, and waste management.
- Recruit, supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff within agreed guidelines.
- Manage catering consumables and food ordering.
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP procedures, ensuring all documentation is completed and signed correctly.
- Complete monthly kitchen audits and report findings to the Home Manager.
- Create balanced, nutritious menus within agreed budgets, considering variety, presentation, and nutritional value.
- Consult regularly with residents to ensure their dietary needs, preferences, and choices are met.
- Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.
- Monitor and maintain agreed food stock levels.
- Implement and maintain a deep-cleaning schedule for the kitchen.
- Conduct monthly stock takes.
- Produce and manage four-weekly staff rotas.
- Work within agreed budget guidelines.
- Assist with planning and costing menus for special functions and events.
- Support requests from residents and the Home Manager whenever possible.
- Attend resident and relative meetings where appropriate.
- Conduct staff supervision sessions in line with company policies.
- Complete staff performance and personal development reviews.
- Undertake any additional duties required to support the effective delivery of services within the home.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Head Chef (Working in a similar environment would be preferred).
- Experience managing and motivating a team.
- Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.
- Ability to cater for a variety of dietary requirements and specialist diets.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A genuine commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and dining experience of our residents.
What We Offer
- Full-time, permanent contract 40 hours per week, including weekend working.
- £16.50 per hour (Equivalent to £34,320 per annum).
- Competitive salary package, negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.
- 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts).
- Life insurance.
- Free DBS check (terms and conditions apply).
- Free on-site parking.
- Company pension scheme.
- Wagestream – access earned wages before payday.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental health support.
- Free in-house training through our e-learning platform, Hippo.
- Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities.
- Annual salary review.
- A supportive organisation that values and empowers its people.
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 has been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group Award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering outstanding care across the UK. Our homes are built around people caring for people. We believe every care home should be a happy home for residents, loved ones, and staff alike. Our values guide everything we do: Diversity • Integrity • Fun • Commitment • Connection. 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!
Head Chef in Caterham employer: Buxton Lodge Care Home
Aurem Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of both its residents and staff, fostering a supportive work culture where every team member is valued. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including life insurance and a company pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through fully funded training and apprenticeships. Join us in making a meaningful impact in our community while working in a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and commitment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Caterham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Buxton Lodge Care Home. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Buxton Lodge Care Home
Don't be shy about reaching out to Buxton Lodge Care Home directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Caterham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Buxton Lodge Care Home and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buxton Lodge Care Home
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
