At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals that brighten our residents' days and meet their dietary needs.
- Company: Join Highgate Care, where kindness is at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive workplace with training opportunities and career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team that values kindness and compassion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Bring your warmth, creativity, and passion for improving lives; experience in care is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 25396 - 31040 £ per year.
Location: The Grange, Whinbush Way, Darlington
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week, includes occasional evenings and weekends)
Salary: £13.61
Sponsorship: Not currently available
Join Highgate Care - Where Kindness Is Key
At Highgate Care, kindness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s the foundation of everything we do. As a small and compassionate care group, we pride ourselves on offering truly person-centred care, where every resident is valued, supported, and able to thrive. We believe in celebrating individuality, promoting dignity and above all, living by our core value: Kindness Is Key.
We’re currently looking for a Chef/Cook to join the team at The Grange in Darlington. If you’re someone who naturally brings warmth, energy and creativity wherever you go, and you love the idea of making each day meaningful for our residents, this could be the perfect role for you.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centred around residents’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements.
- Provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring that Highgate is a friendly, supportive working environment.
- Responsible for the supervision and appraisals of the Kitchen Team.
- Interview applicants for vacancies within the Kitchen Team.
- Understand and comply with statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health and Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health.
- Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual.
- Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers.
- Responsible for all kitchen equipment ensuring it is in full, safe working order.
- Contribute to team meetings, and assist the Home Manager with the selection, interviewing, induction and ongoing development of catering staff.
- Attend resident/relative meetings and regularly monitor and assess residents’ satisfaction with the catering service provided.
What We’re Looking For:
- Warm, approachable, and brimming with positivity.
- Organised, reliable, and confident in planning.
- Creative, enthusiastic, and able to motivate others.
- Passionate about improving the lives of older people.
- Willing to participate in Staff and Resident meetings as required.
- Previous experience in a care setting is a bonus, but we’re just as interested in your personality and values.
What We Offer:
- A friendly, supportive, and welcoming workplace.
- Real opportunities for ongoing training and career progression.
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day.
- A valued role within a close-knit team that cares as much about each other as we do our residents.
If you believe that kindness and compassion should be at the heart of care, we’d love to hear from you.
Chef/Cook (22hrs) employer: Highgate Care
At Highgate Care, we are dedicated to fostering a warm and supportive work environment where kindness is at the core of everything we do. As a Registered Home Manager at Priestley Care Home, you will not only lead a compassionate team but also have access to ongoing training and career progression opportunities, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents every day. Join us in creating a close-knit community that values both our staff and the individuals we care for.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef/Cook (22hrs)
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Highgate Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Highgate Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to Highgate Care directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef/Cook (22hrs)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Highgate Care and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highgate Care
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
