Head Chef

Vane Hill is a pair of grand Victorian houses overlooking the harbour in Torquay, offering breathtaking views across Torbay. This tranquil hilltop home provides specialist support for individuals with mental health conditions, including Korsakoff’s syndrome and Alcohol-Related Brain Damage, fostering independence for up to 32 residents.

Are you a culinary leader with a passion for creating exceptional meals and managing a kitchen with precision and care? We’re seeking a dynamic Head Chef to take charge of our care home’s kitchen, where your expertise will ensure our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious meals every day.

Why This Role Matters

As the Head Chef, you’ll be at the helm of our kitchen operations, responsible for crafting meals that not only satisfy but also nourish. Your leadership will drive the efficiency and effectiveness of our kitchen, ensuring that every dish served meets the highest standards of quality and care.

What You’ll Do

• Meal Production: Take full responsibility for preparing, cooking, and serving both hot and cold meals, ensuring they meet the dietary needs and preferences of our residents.
• Menu Planning: Collaborate with the Group Executive Chef & Home Manager to plan and cost menus that provide a balanced, nutritious diet, making optimal use of fresh, seasonal ingredients within budget.
• Kitchen Leadership: Supervise and instruct kitchen staff in the use of equipment and hygiene procedures, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth operations.
• Staff Training: Conduct Basic Food Hygiene training for all care staff involved in food handling and delivery, ensuring best practices are followed throughout the home.
• Professional Development: Continuously maintain and enhance your professional knowledge and competence, staying informed on the latest culinary and food safety standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of food supplies and monitor freezer and fridge temperatures to ensure food safety and quality.
• Stock Management: Oversee stock rotation, assist in ordering supplies, check deliveries, and conduct stock valuations as required by the Home Manager.
• Staff Scheduling: Prepare staff rotas for the kitchen, ensuring adequate coverage and smooth daily operations.
• Recruitment: Participate in interviews for new kitchen staff alongside the Home Manager, helping to build a strong, cohesive team.
• Health & Safety: Ensure that statutory Health & Safety standards are upheld in the kitchen and dining areas, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.
• Kitchen Cleanliness: Oversee the cleaning and storage of all crockery and equipment, ensuring the kitchen and dining areas are kept spotless and orderly.

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Culinary Qualifications: City & Guilds 706 " 1 & 2, or equivalent qualification (achieved or working towards).
• Team Player: Ability to lead a team effectively, fostering collaboration and efficiency in the kitchen.
• Food Hygiene: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, ensuring a solid foundation in food safety practices.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills to coordinate with the Home Manager and guide kitchen staff.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently, taking initiative to manage the kitchen operations effectively.
• Leadership Experience: Previous management or supervisory experience in a kitchen setting.
• Desired Experience:

• Specialised Food Preparation: Experience in preparing food for the specific needs of the service user group.
• Care Environment Experience: Experience working in a care environment is an advantage but not essential.

If you’re ready to take the lead in a kitchen where your culinary skills and leadership will make a meaningful impact, we’d love to have you on our team. Join us in delivering meals that not only delight but also support the health and well-being of our residents every day.

Benefits:

• Pension
• Onsite Parking
• Additional £2 per hour overtime
• Uniform Provided
• 5.6 Weeks Annual Leave (Based on a full-time contract)