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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create exciting menus for our residents.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, birthday off, and free meals on shift.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a modern, welcoming care home.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and NVQ Level 3 in food preparation preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
£30,000 per annum
40 hours per week (8am - 7pm)
Acer Lodge, Eleanor Street, Blackburn, BB1 1JD
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 the 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.
You will be responsible for the team rota, food ordering, stock control including waste, ensuring that all allergies are recorded and shared with your team. You will liaise with the people that live in the home and attend resident dining experiences. The kitchen and food preparation areas need to be kept clean and tidy. You will also have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety issues, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within the guidelines relating to cross infection.
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 similar environment desirable.
- 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, 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, combines 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 - 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.
This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice.
Head Chef in Preston employer: EQ Care Group
Contact Detail:
EQ Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen and makes you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Acer Lodge. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. At EQ Care Group, they focus on compassionate care, so be ready to discuss how your culinary skills can enhance the dining experience for residents.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Preston
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 culinary journey and any unique ideas you have for menus that could really make a difference at Acer Lodge.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to mention any relevant experience you've had in kitchen management or working with dietary needs. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Head Chef role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you'd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our heart-centred team.
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Menu Ideas
Before the interview, brainstorm some creative menu ideas that align with the needs of the older population. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate nutritional values while still making meals appealing. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of the target audience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or trained staff in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive work environment and how you handle challenges within a team.
✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, especially those relevant to food hygiene and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and how you would train your team to do the same.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Since this role offers a better work-life balance, express your enthusiasm for this aspect. Share how you believe a balanced life contributes to better performance in the kitchen and enhances creativity in menu planning.