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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to create delicious, nutritious meals for patients and staff.
- Company: Join a specialist NHS Foundation Trust dedicated to community health and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and the chance to make a real impact in healthcare.
- Why this job: Unleash your creativity in menu design while working in a supportive, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience in a similar role.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; we value inclusivity and community representation.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 25000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Chef. We are looking to recruit a hardworking, enthusiastic individual to join our Catering Team based at Fieldhead Hospital. The successful post holder will use flair and creativity to create new menus and assist the catering department to reach its full potential by developing new systems of work.
The post holder will be required to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment and will be able to use their initiative to prioritise and organise daily duties. All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.
Main duties of the job include:
- Assisting with managing the team to provide safe and nutritious meal service to service users, staff and visitors.
- Training, mentoring and reallocating rotas when required.
- Leading, training and supervising a team to departmental standards ensuring food hygiene regulations and Health and Safety policies are adhered to.
- Ensuring meals are produced to recipes and ready for service to agreed deadlines.
- Managing and training catering/kitchen staff.
- Ordering, monitoring and recording of catering provisions.
- Working with the Catering Manager to compile and create new menus.
- Undertaking stock takes and inventories.
- Organising and managing the process of food delivery to service users.
- Assisting in developing the catering service to reach its full potential.
Essential experience includes operational and technical skills and stock control knowledge, ability to use own initiative, and experience in a similar position within a service led and customer focused environment.
Qualifications required include NVQ grade 706, 1 & 2 or equivalent, Management Certificate, and Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
Personal attributes should include being a good communicator, flexible towards working arrangements, and the ability to work in stressful situations.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Head Chef. employer: Cheswold Park Hospital
Contact Detail:
Cheswold Park Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Estates Plan for Better Hospital Food and Food & Health Policy. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you align your menu ideas with their standards but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them, as this role requires strong supervisory capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the catering and healthcare sectors. Attend local culinary events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar environments. This could provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations when applying for the Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with special diets and health eating training. Given the nature of the role, being knowledgeable about dietary restrictions and nutritional needs will set you apart from other candidates and show that you are well-equipped to cater to diverse service users.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and kitchen management. Emphasise your operational skills, stock control knowledge, and any supervisory roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating innovative menus and leading a team. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or improved service standards in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as the Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate and any management certificates. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety and hygiene.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills: Since the role involves training and mentoring staff, provide examples of how you've motivated and led a team in a fast-paced environment. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the Head Chef position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheswold Park Hospital
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As a Head Chef, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your previous menu creations and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients. Bring examples of innovative dishes you've developed that align with health guidelines.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in managing and training kitchen staff. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and handled challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene regulations and health and safety policies. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about handling complaints or managing dietary restrictions. Think of scenarios where you've successfully resolved issues or adapted menus to meet special dietary needs.
