At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, home-cooked meals for residents.
- Company: Join an award-winning, family-owned care home group with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid overtime, free meals, and flexible shifts.
- Other info: 4 on / 4 off rota with shifts ending at 6:30pm.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying creativity in a modern kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 43675 - 43675 £ per year.
From £43,675 + paid overtime
6:30am - 6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week
Join us at Woodpeckers, Brockenhurst. We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at Woodpeckers. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills, creating meals that bring comfort, enjoyment and fine dining to our residents every day.
Working in a modern kitchen equipped with high end appliances, you’ll take pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. With nutritious daily menus including freshly baked cakes, your food will play a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. You’ll also take the lead in shaping the dining experience, engaging with residents to understand their preferences and bringing your ideas to life at special events within the home.
As the head of the kitchen, you’ll lead and support both the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and creating a positive, collaborative environment.
Why this role stands out- 4 on / 4 off rota posted 4 weeks in advance with shifts finishing at 6:30pm
- Paid breaks and overtime opportunities
- Modern kitchen with quality equipment and fresh ingredients
- Overtime opportunities available
You’re a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a positive dining experience. You enjoy leading a team, building relationships, and bringing energy and creativity into the kitchen. A City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef is desirable along with experience in a similar role.
About Colten CareWe’re an award-winning, family-owned care home group with an outstanding reputation. All 21 of our homes are rated Good by the CQC, with 7 rated Outstanding. Our success is built on our people and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.
Additional benefitsAlongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from excellent training and support, a contributory pension scheme, free meals on duty, and flexible overtime to suit your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can lead with creativity, make a meaningful impact, and still enjoy your time outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Brockenhurst employer: Colten Care
Colten Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture where creativity thrives. As a Head Chef at our Woodpeckers location in Brockenhurst, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, paid overtime, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' wellbeing through your culinary skills. With modern kitchen facilities and a commitment to employee growth, we ensure that our team members are valued and empowered to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Brockenhurst
✨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 Colten Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Colten Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to Colten Care 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 Brockenhurst
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 Colten Care 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 Colten Care
✨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!
