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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create and cook nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Join Care South, a top-rated not-for-profit charity in social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, Blue Light discounts, and employee recognition schemes.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing quality meals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Food Production/Hygiene required; Level 3 preferred.
- Other info: Work 40 hours over 4 days with alternate weekends off.
Head Chef – £15.50 per hour
40 hours over 4 days, including alternate weekends
Working in our Care Home kitchen offers more sociable hours compared to pub or restaurant work, with mostly daytime shifts and every other weekend off.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to join Wickmeads, our residential care home located near Tuckton Gardens and River Stour, Christchurch, Dorset.
As a not-for-profit charity within Social Care, we focus on reward and recognition. Our benefits include:
- Blue Light Shopping Discount Card
- Reward and Recognition Schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Industry-Based Qualifications
This is a rewarding role where you can take pride in providing nutritious and enjoyable meals for our residents.
Responsibilities include:
- Creating, preparing, and cooking meals for residents
- Ensuring high standards of presentation and quality
- Supervising and supporting kitchen staff
- Planning meals in consultation with residents and care staff to meet dietary needs and preferences
- Adhering to health & safety and relevant legislation
- Managing the catering budget for the home
What we\’re looking for:
Someone passionate about cooking, organized, and capable of meeting deadlines. Experience in producing high-quality, high-volume meals is essential.
Qualifications include a NVQ Level 2 in Food Production/Hygiene, with a preference for Level 3. Knowledge of health and safety legislation is required. Confidence to lead and work as part of a team is important.
If this sounds like you, we would love for you to join our team!
PEOPLE | PASSION | PURPOSE
Care South is among the top 20 rated Care Home Groups in the UK, based on reviews from residents and families at carehome.co.uk.
As a not-for-profit charity, our HEART values guide us in providing outstanding care. For more information, visit our website. For questions, contact the recruitment team at 01202 712448.
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Head Chef employer: Care South
Contact Detail:
Care South Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the well-being of the residents.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience managing kitchen staff or training new team members. Highlighting your ability to create a positive work environment can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Care South and their HEART values. Demonstrating your alignment with their mission and values during any discussions can help you connect with the team and show that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-volume meal production. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed large-scale cooking while maintaining quality and presentation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head Chef position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in producing high-quality meals and managing kitchen staff. Include specific examples of how you've met dietary needs and adhered to health and safety regulations.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for cooking and providing nutritious meals in your application. Mention any previous roles where you made a positive impact on residents' dining experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care South
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you love to create and how you ensure they meet dietary needs, as this role is all about providing nutritious meals for residents.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your experience in supervising kitchen staff and how you motivate them to maintain high standards. Highlight any past successes in managing a team.
✨Discuss Health & Safety Knowledge
Since knowledge of health and safety legislation is crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of these regulations. Provide examples of how you've implemented safety practices in previous kitchens.
✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions
The role involves managing a catering budget, so expect questions about your experience with budgeting and cost control. Be ready to share strategies you've used to keep costs down while maintaining quality.
