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- 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 food and care.
- Qualifications: Chef qualification, 2 years experience, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 41600 - 62400 £ 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 in London employer: ErecruitSmart
Contact Detail:
ErecruitSmart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨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 small dinner for friends or family where you can showcase your cooking prowess. This not only builds your confidence but also gives you something tangible to talk about in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the care home! Get to know their values and what they stand for. When you apply through our website, tailor your approach to show how your experience aligns with their mission and the needs of their residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to kitchen management and dietary needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your chef qualifications and experience. We want to see how you've led teams and created delicious, nutritious meals that cater to various dietary needs.
Be Personal and Engaging: Use a friendly tone in your application. Share your passion for cooking and how you connect with residents through food. We love seeing candidates who can bring warmth and personality to their role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Head Chef. Mention your knowledge of food handling, sanitation standards, and any experience with modified diets. This shows us you're serious about the position!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
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. Prepare a few sample menus that cater to different cultural and nutritional requirements. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to providing high-quality meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Think of specific examples where you motivated your colleagues or improved team performance. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can effectively manage the catering operation.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene standards and HACCP documentation. Be prepared to answer questions about how you ensure safety and sanitation in the kitchen. This is crucial for the role, so showing your expertise here will definitely impress.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Inquire about the residents' preferences or how the team currently operates. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.