Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Join a caring and supportive team at an outstanding care home.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, health support, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality cooking.
- Qualifications: Chef qualification, leadership skills, and experience in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 41600 - 52000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a Head Chef to join our clients residential and respite care team at their outstanding CQC care home in West Wickham. In this role you will lead a team to run the catering operation within the Home. This includes preparing high quality home cooked, fresh, nutritional meals and catering for any dietary and cultural needs.
About the Role
As Head Chef you will be responsible for the operational efficiency of the catering service, planning and preparation of food and beverages to the required standard within the budget limitations as agreed with the home management.
Duties include:
- Maintenance of the highest standard of personal management, hygiene and health and safety
- Lead, motivate and direct a team of kitchen colleagues to deliver a first-class catering service to the residents
- Understand the individual nutritional needs and choices of residents at all times
- Prepare menus in consultation with the Home Manager, residents, families and catering committees
- Prepare, cook and serve meals, ensuring that all special needs are fully considered and catered for
- Plan and deliver set four weekly menus, ensuring any substitutions have prior authorisation from the Home Manager
- Ensure any allergen changes are communicated effectively
- Being responsible for and working within the agreed catering budget
- Regularly engage with and seek feedback from residents, relatives, visitors and colleagues
- Prepare beverages and snacks throughout the day, around the needs and choices of residents
- Stock taking, stock rotation, storage of stock, checking and receiving deliveries
- Occasionally organise special functions, which may be outside of normal working hours
- Be diligent in ensuring any defects of equipment are reported to the Home Manager and Maintenance Person in a timely manner
- Under the supervision of the Home Manager, to carry out annual appraisals for kitchen colleagues
- Conduct quarterly staff supervision and personal development plans as required
- Rota the catering department for its needs, monitor sickness, absence, authorise holiday within the department
- Hold and attend Regular Team Meetings with catering staff and management
- Being responsible for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others whilst at work and alerting the officers responsible to any hazards or potential risks to health and safety
- Be fully conversant with the policies relating to Governance, Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Whistleblowing
- Act as an ambassador for the company Vision and Values
- Promote equality and diversity at all times and across all work activities
- Attend mandatory training days / courses, on or off site, as and when required
About You
To be successful in the role of Head Chef you must have:
- Chef qualification
- 2 years Chef experience
- Leadership skills
- Excellent communication
- Able to work in fast paced environment
- Dedicated to food quality control
- Strong knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards
- Knowledge of modified diets
- HACCP documentation
- Food Hygiene certificate
- Nutrition science for the Elderly
About the rewards
As a Head Chef you will receive an excellent salary of up to £20 per hour depending on experience plus a superb range of benefits including:
- 26 & 8 statutory days annual leave entitlement
- Life Assurance Benefits
- Cycle to work scheme
- Referral Scheme up to £1000
- Occupational Health Support
- Health and Wellbeing Programme
- GP consultations, Mental Health Treatment, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling
- Discounted Gym Membership
- 50% off a coffee from every week from Café Nero
- 75% off Champneys Spa breaks
- Subsidised Apple Watches and Amazon Prime membership and discount on hotel bookings with Expedia
- Long Service Award Vouchers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid Enhanced DBS
- Inhouse Mental Health First Aiders
- Eye Test Vouchers
- Eligible for Blue Light Card
- Free Parking
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Policy
Head Chef employer: ErecruitSmart
Contact Detail:
ErecruitSmart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 a lead on that perfect Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your leadership skills and experience in catering for diverse dietary needs. Let them know how you can elevate their kitchen team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a fantastic team and make a real difference in residents' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your chef qualifications and experience. We want to see how you've led teams and created amazing dishes that cater to various dietary needs. Don't hold back on sharing your passion for food!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we're looking for. Mention your leadership skills and how you can motivate a team to deliver top-notch service. We love it when candidates show they understand our values!
Be Clear About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in managing budgets and planning menus. We need someone who can keep things running smoothly while ensuring high-quality meals. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle these responsibilities.
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 fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ErecruitSmart
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various dietary needs and preferences. Be ready to discuss how you would create menus that cater to these requirements while maintaining high standards of nutrition and taste.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, manage conflicts, and ensure a smooth operation under pressure. This will demonstrate your readiness for the Head Chef role.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene regulations and HACCP documentation. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with health and safety standards in the kitchen, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Inquire about the residents' preferences, the kitchen culture, and how feedback is gathered. This shows your genuine interest in creating a positive dining experience.
