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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create delicious, nutritious menus for our residents.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of exceptional elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a birthday day off, 28 days annual leave, and free meals on shift.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience in a care home and NVQ Level 3 in food preparation preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a modern, welcoming care home.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Acer Lodge Care Home, Blackburn, BB1 1JD
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week (8am - 7pm)
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Role Overview
You are a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress. You have ideas for menus and understand that food is the window to the soul! You have learned alongside another chef how to manage kitchens, including EHO requirements. However, you are tired of long days, split shifts, working through into the night and don’t get time at home with family or to go out with friends. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking and growing organisation. As the Head Chef at Acer Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here. You will have the overall responsibility for the catering services within Acer Lodge and you will lead by example.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the catering team.
- Ensure the staff rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
- Attend meetings and training sessions, both on-site and off-site, as required.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, adhering to company policies and procedures.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and cross-infection guidelines.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience within a Care Home environment is a must.
- NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
- Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Ability to work on a 7-day rota which will include weekends.
The Company and Care Home
EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs; we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.
Acer Lodge opened in July 2024; a 70 bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Blackburn, combining modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Acer Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Acer Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ Care
- Day off for your birthday - start your celebrations early!
- Blue Light Discount Card - access exclusive savings and offers.
- 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) - enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
- Salary advance scheme (Level) - access earned pay when you need it.
- Contributory pension - helping you plan for your future.
- Dedicated Learning & Development - continuous training and career growth opportunities.
- Team member rewards - recognising and celebrating your hard work.
- Free meals on shift - enjoy a meal on us while you work.
- Free tax review service - making sure you keep more of what you earn.
- Refer a friend scheme - earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.
Head Chef (Care Home Experience) in Blackburn employer: EQ Care Group
Contact Detail:
EQ Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Care Home Experience) in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those with care home experience. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media or during an informal meet-up. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the care home’s values and menu style. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for creating meaningful dining experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our heart-centred team at Acer Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Care Home Experience) in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your ideas for menus and how you can bring flair to the dining experience at Acer Lodge. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience in a care home environment. We value your background in managing kitchens and understanding EHO requirements, so don’t hold back on showcasing what you've learned along the way!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. This shows us that you can communicate effectively, which is key in this role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Acer Lodge. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to showcase your creativity and understanding of menu planning. Prepare a few sample menus that cater to the nutritional needs of older adults, and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal ingredients and resident preferences.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. Talk about your experience with training staff, managing rotas, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Since this position is in a care home, it's crucial to express your commitment to providing exceptional care through food. Share any experiences you've had working with elderly populations and how you can create a warm dining experience for residents.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a kitchen environment. Think about scenarios like managing food allergies or handling a busy service, and prepare to explain how you'd ensure safety and quality under pressure.
