At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, wholesome meals for our residents.
- Company: Join Glenholme Healthcare, a caring and inclusive residential home.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 holidays, flexible pay options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and knowledge of food safety regulations required.
- Other info: Work in a purpose-built care home with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 13 £ per hour.
Salary: £14.27 - £14.63 per hour
Location: Glenholme Vera James House, Chapel St, Ely, CB6 1TA
Full Time, 40 hours per week, alternate weekends
Glenholme Healthcare’s Vera James residential home in Ely is looking for a Head Chef to join our fantastic team! We are seeking a Chef who can deliver high-quality, wholesome dishes cooked to the highest standards and with care.
Benefits as a Head Chef:
- 28 holidays (including your birthday off) plus additional length-of-service bonus holidays
- Quarterly Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff’s commitment and contribution
- Automatic entry into our Employee Assistance Programme offering personal and everyday advice on child support, financial matters, mental health, and overall wellbeing*
- Pension scheme and life assurance cover*
- Reimbursed Blue Light Card*
- Hastee Pay – withdraw up to 40% of your earned salary before payday, when you need it*
Experience Required from a Head Chef:
- Knowledge of COSHH, HACCP, and Environmental Health Standards/Regulations
- Experience in leading, motivating, and inspiring a kitchen team
- A strong understanding of nutrition and dietary needs
- Skilled in preparing meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Ability to create a warm and welcoming dining experience
- Confidence in engaging with residents to design appetising, nutritious menus
- Previous experience as a Head Chef is ideal
Responsibilities as a Head Chef:
- Ensure all kitchen staff are trained and aware of COSHH, HACCP, and health regulations
- Conduct kitchen audits and maintain accurate, up-to-date records
- Meet regularly with service users and families to gather feedback and adjust menus
- Manage the hiring, training, induction, and performance of kitchen staff
- Provide balanced, home-cooked meals that meet individual, cultural, and religious dietary needs
- Adhere to kitchen budgets for stock and materials
- Uphold the highest standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety
- Maintain accurate records in line with Environmental Health, Food Standards Agency, CQC, and company requirements
- Stay current with required training and professional development
To join our dedicated team at Vera James as our Head Chef, press apply today!
Where would you be working:
Vera James House is a purpose-built residential care home for older people situated in the historic centre of Ely within walking distance of the market place and the cathedral. The scheme has 42 single rooms, all with en‑suite facilities. Vera James House is designated to support older people living with dementia and other related illnesses, and residents who require permanent or respite care in a residential setting.
Inclusion & Equality at Glenholme:
We are proud of our inclusive, respectful, and person-centred culture. At Glenholme, everyone is valued – our service users, their families, and every member of our staff.
Please note: This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. *T&Cs apply to all benefits.
Head Chef in Ely employer: Glenholme Healthcare Ltd
Contact Detail:
Glenholme Healthcare Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Glenholme Healthcare and Vera James House. Understanding their values and culture will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a creative menu idea that aligns with their focus on wholesome dishes. This will not only impress them but also demonstrate your passion for high-quality food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your leadership style. As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so think about how you motivate and inspire others. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the residents. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to contribute to creating a warm dining experience at Vera James House.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in creating high-quality dishes. We want to see how you can bring your culinary flair to our kitchen and impress our residents with wholesome meals.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to mention your experience in motivating and inspiring others. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past – we love a good leadership story!
Know Your Regulations: Make sure to include your knowledge of COSHH, HACCP, and health regulations in your application. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of food safety and hygiene, so let us know how you keep your kitchen compliant.
Personal Touch Matters: Engaging with residents is key, so share how you’ve designed menus based on individual dietary needs and preferences. We want to see your passion for creating a warm dining experience that caters to everyone’s tastes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glenholme Healthcare Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef role. Brush up on your knowledge of COSHH, HACCP, and dietary needs, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles will show your expertise.
✨Menu Planning Mastery
Prepare a sample menu that showcases your ability to create balanced, nutritious meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also your understanding of the residents' dietary needs. Be ready to explain your choices and how they cater to different cultural and religious preferences.
✨Team Leadership Insights
Think about your leadership style and be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and inspired your kitchen team in the past. Discuss any training or development initiatives you've led, as this will highlight your commitment to staff growth and maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Engage with Passion
Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the impact you can have on the residents' dining experience. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with service users and their families to gather feedback and adjust menus accordingly. This will demonstrate your person-centred approach and commitment to creating a warm, welcoming environment.