At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for our residents.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, birthday off, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a growing organisation with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a balanced work schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchens and a passion for food; NVQ Level 3 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
£45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
40 hours per week (7am - 6pm)
Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH
Willow Lodge is the first in our portfolio to operate the Household Model of Care, a fresh, relationship-led approach built around small, familiar communities of around 12 people within the home.
You are a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress. You have experience working in restaurants and/or nursing homes, 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 Willow Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home. You will ensure the kitchens on the individual households are consistently safe, well-led, compliant and audit-ready, achieving 5-star Environmental Health ratings. This strong operational foundation enables the delivery of sector-leading mealtime experiences, meaningful occupation and outstanding lived experience.
The role is central to enabling EQ Care’s Household Model of Care, where food is prepared centrally and cooked, finished and served within individual households. Through inspirational leadership, this role supports Outstanding CQC outcomes, exceptional feedback, sector-leading review scores and a reputation that directly supports sustained occupancy growth across the portfolio.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the team.
- Ensure the team 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.
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience within a nursing home and/or restaurant 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 alternate 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.
Willow Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, 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, Willow 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 Willow 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 must already have the legal right to work in the UK, with at least 14 months remaining on your visa. We are unable to offer visa 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.
Locations
Head Chef in Redhill, Surrey employer: EQ Care Group
At EQ Care Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and personal growth. As the Head Chef at Willow Lodge in Redhill, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with a focus on continuous learning, competitive benefits including a day off for your birthday, and the opportunity to create meaningful dining experiences for our residents in a modern, welcoming environment. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in a nurturing community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Redhill, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might know about opportunities at Willow Lodge. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish that showcases your flair and creativity. Bring it along to your interview or share photos of your best creations. It’s a tasty way to impress and show you’re the right fit for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Get to know Willow Lodge and its values. Understand their approach to care and how food plays a role in enhancing the lives of residents. This will help you tailor your conversation and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our heart-centred team at EQ Care Group. Let’s get you that Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Redhill, Surrey
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 how it aligns with our vision at Willow Lodge. We want to see your flair for creating delicious, nutritious meals that cater to our residents' needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience you have in restaurants or nursing homes. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of these environments, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and what you've learned along the way!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Head Chef 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 Willow Lodge. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to brainstorm and prepare a few menu ideas that reflect your culinary style and understanding of nutritional needs for older adults. This will show your passion for the role and your ability to create meals that are not only delicious but also healthy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be ready to discuss your experience in training and managing kitchen staff. Think of specific examples where you've successfully motivated your team or improved kitchen operations, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Household Model of Care
Familiarise yourself with the Household Model of Care that Willow Lodge employs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating a warm, relationship-led environment through your cooking, and how you can ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the company culture, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in the kitchen. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
