Head Chef (6 Months Fixed Term Contract) in London

Head Chef (6 Months Fixed Term Contract) in London

London Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Greensleeves Care

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create delicious, balanced menus and cater for special occasions in a modern care home.
  • Company: Join Greensleeves Care, a leading not-for-profit charity focused on people, not profits.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and free learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team with excellent career growth and support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a stylish, uplifting environment.
  • Qualifications: Food hygiene qualifications and experience in a professional kitchen are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Email your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria of the person specification to:

About Us

At Greensleeves Care we deliver exceptional 24-hour residential, dementia and nursing care to older people across our 27 care homes in England. We are an accredited Living Wage employer and Greensleeves Care are endorsed with Skills for Care and an Assured City and Guilds provider who offer a range of free learning and development to our colleagues.

Join Our Team at The Meadowcroft – A Modern, Purpose-Built Home Where You Can Truly Make a Difference

Welcome to The Meadowcroft Care Home in Tooting, a stunning, state-of-the-art home opened in 2023 and designed from the ground up to be a warm, uplifting place to live and work. With light-filled lounges, beautiful landscaped gardens, a stylish café, cinema room and dedicated wellbeing spaces, The Meadowcroft offers an environment that feels more like a contemporary boutique hotel than a traditional care home. Run by Greensleeves Care, a leading not-for-profit charity, our focus is entirely on people – not profits. That means excellent staffing levels, high-quality training, and a genuine commitment to supporting both residents and colleagues to thrive. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to care, you’ll join a friendly, passionate team who take pride in delivering personalised, compassionate support every day. If you’re looking for a rewarding career where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported and your work makes a real difference, The Meadowcroft is the perfect place to settle, develop and shine.

As a Head Chef, you will:

  • Draw up varied menus which incorporate choice, are balanced and which are suitable to special diets, such as low fat, diabetic or those as a result of religious beliefs.
  • Cater for special occasions within the home.
  • Control stocks and purchases thereby allocating the quantity of materials.
  • Keep the purchase of materials within allocated budgets.
  • Ensure that the kitchen hygiene and safety rules are observed by all colleagues.

To apply, you will need:

  • Relevant food hygiene and food preparation qualifications.
  • An understanding of the importance of food for the residents.
  • An understanding of the importance of a balanced and varied diet.
  • Experience of serving food in a professional environment.

Rewards & Benefits Package:

  • Company pension scheme – employers contribution matched up to 6%.
  • 2 x Salary Death in Service benefit.
  • Length of Service Awards at 5,10,20,30,40 and 50 year.
  • Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits through the Hapi App.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Wellbeing Thrive App.
  • Refer a Friend scheme (you can earn up to £300 per referral).
  • Free learning and development – Opportunities to undertake RQF level qualifications with an endorsed Skills for Care provider.
  • Free DBS.

DBS – The successful applicant will be appointed subject to providing evidence of ISA first and enhanced DBS disclosure. This post is not subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Greensleeves Care is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Greensleeves Care Core Values:

  • Respect – We treat residents and colleagues with dignity and value their unique life experiences and personal contributions.
  • Openness – We act openly and honestly, building confidence in our intentions and behaviour. We choose words and actions that are sincere, not misleading.
  • Responsibility – We are committed to meeting the needs of others and behave responsibly towards residents and colleagues, being careful of the choices we make.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Head Chef (6 Months Fixed Term Contract) in London employer: Greensleeves Care

Greensleeves Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment at The Meadowcroft Care Home in Tooting. With a commitment to high-quality training, excellent staffing levels, and a focus on personal growth, employees can thrive in a modern, purpose-built setting that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional care home. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Greensleeves Care

Contact Details:

Greensleeves Care Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef (6 Months Fixed Term Contract) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to Greensleeves Care. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish that showcases your culinary flair and share it on social media. Tagging Greensleeves Care could catch their eye and show them what you're made of!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in nutrition and dietary needs for older adults. Being knowledgeable about how food impacts health will impress them and show you're the right fit for the Head Chef role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Greensleeves Care family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (6 Months Fixed Term Contract) in London

Food Hygiene Qualifications
Food Preparation Skills
Menu Planning
Dietary Knowledge
Budget Management
Stock Control
Catering for Special Diets

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in food preparation and any qualifications you have. Tailor it to show how your skills align with the Head Chef role at The Meadowcroft.

Write a Personalised Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter! Use this opportunity to showcase your passion for cooking and caring for residents. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of balanced diets and special dietary needs.

Showcase Your Creativity:As a Head Chef, creativity is key! In your application, share some ideas for varied menus or special occasion catering that you would implement. This will show us your innovative side and how you can enhance our residents' dining experience.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Greensleeves Care

Know Your Menus Inside Out

As a Head Chef, you'll need to showcase your ability to create varied and balanced menus. Before the interview, prepare a few sample menus that cater to different dietary needs. This will demonstrate your understanding of nutrition and your creativity in meal planning.

Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge

Food hygiene is crucial in any kitchen, especially in a care home setting. Brush up on the latest food safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. Mention specific practices you implement to maintain high hygiene standards.

Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership

The role requires not just culinary skills but also the ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, resolved conflicts, or trained new team members. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with Greensleeves Care's values.

Connect with Their Values

Greensleeves Care places a strong emphasis on respect, openness, and responsibility. Familiarise yourself with these core values and think of ways you can embody them in your role as Head Chef. Be prepared to share how you would contribute to a positive and supportive environment for both residents and colleagues.