At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create delicious menus, and ensure high standards in a care home.
- Company: Join an award-winning company dedicated to quality and resident wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance, bonuses, discounts, and access to medical specialists.
- Why this job: Be part of a new facility, enjoy creative freedom, and make a real impact on residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant chef qualifications and experience in leading a team with fresh food.
- Other info: Work only 4/5 days a week with alternate weekends off.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Location: Woking, Surrey, GU23 7DJ
Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance? Are you keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and high standards? Our award winning client is opening a brand new care home in Woking with a state-of-the-art kitchen.
As a Head Chef within the brand new facility, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long hours. Our chefs have full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus, whilst also taking ownership of their kitchen and ongoing team development.
Your Experience and Qualifications
- A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
- Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
- Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team
- Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition
- The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes
- Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
- Experience working with a front of house team to ensure the restaurants are set up to a high standard
- Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
- Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework (If new to care, we will train and develop chefs on these techniques)
Your Role and Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required
- Menu development, tailoring around residents to ensure we deliver person-centred hospitality
- Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked of the highest standards
- Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
- Assist the front of house team with setting up of the dining areas
- Work within budget, complete regular audits and stock control
- Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
- Ongoing recruitment and retention
- Managing the performance of the kitchen team and front of house
Your Benefits and Rewards
- Working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week
- Rewarding Excellence bonus where you will be financially rewarded up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
- Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend scheme, earning up to £500* per referral
- Access to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts with big brands, supermarkets and travel companies
- Free access to medical specialists, who are on hand for a second opinion if you need it
- Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services
Interested? If you are a motivated and dedicated chef who is ready to be part of something special, click apply today!
Job Reference CTNLK5565
Head Chef in Woking employer: Crooton Ltd
Contact Detail:
Crooton Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Research the care home sector and understand the unique challenges and rewards it offers. Familiarising yourself with the specific needs of residents can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs in the care home industry. Attend culinary events or join online forums to connect with professionals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully developed team members in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for creating nutritious meals by preparing a sample menu that reflects your understanding of dietary needs and preferences. This can set you apart during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading a kitchen team, working with fresh seasonal food, and any qualifications like City & Guilds or NVQ. Emphasise your ability to create nutritious menus and your understanding of nutrition.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and how it aligns with the company's values. Mention your experience in creating a warm environment and engaging with residents, as well as your commitment to high standards in food preparation.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Highlight specific examples of how you've led and motivated a team in previous roles. Discuss any training or development initiatives you've implemented to upskill your team, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety: Include your understanding of HACCP and COSHH regulations in your application. If you have experience with modified diets using the IDDSI framework, be sure to mention this, as it shows your readiness to adapt to the care home environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crooton Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating nutritious and flavoursome dishes. Share specific examples of how you've used fresh seasonal ingredients in your previous roles, as this aligns with the company's focus on high-quality food.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead and inspire your team. Prepare to discuss your experience in motivating staff and developing their skills. Highlight any successful team projects or initiatives you've led in the past.
✨Understand the Importance of Nutrition
Since the role involves creating menus tailored to residents' needs, be ready to talk about your knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements. Familiarise yourself with the IDDSI framework, even if you haven't worked with it before, to show your willingness to learn.
✨Engage with Residents
The role requires a warm and personable approach. Think of ways you've interacted with customers or clients in the past, especially in a dining setting. Be prepared to share how you would create a welcoming environment for residents in the care home.