At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate catering team to create nutritious meals that enhance patient wellbeing.
- Company: Join Horder Healthcare, a respected organisation dedicated to quality food and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £33,891, flexible shifts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through exceptional food and service.
- Qualifications: Experienced chef with leadership skills and a passion for high standards.
The predicted salary is between 33891 - 33891 £ per year.
We’re looking for an inspiring Head Chef to lead our catering team at The Horder Centre - a respected healthcare environment where food quality directly impacts patient wellbeing, staff satisfaction, and visitor experience. This is more than a leadership role in the kitchen, it’s an opportunity to shape nutritious, high-quality dining that makes a genuine difference every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and inspiring the catering team to deliver outstanding food and service
- Overseeing production of patient, staff, and hospitality meals
- Supporting with the designing of menus, including specialist diets and seasonal offerings
- Supporting with the managing of budgets, stock control, and cost efficiency
- Ensuring strict compliance with food safety, HACCP, and health & safety regulations
- Maintaining excellent kitchen standards, hygiene, and cleanliness
- Driving continuous improvement across catering services
- Collaborating with clinical and front-of-house teams for a seamless service
About You
You’re a confident and experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high standards.
Essential
- City & Guilds 706 Level 2 / NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)
- Food Safety Level 2 certification
- Proven experience supervising catering teams
- Experience managing budgets and controlling costs
- Strong understanding of special diets and nutrition
- Excellent organisational, communication, and admin skills
- Flexible, reliable, and customer-focused approach
Desirable
- Higher-level food safety or health & safety qualifications
- Experience in healthcare or similar environments
Location
The Horder Centre, Crowborough
Contract Type
Permanent, Full-Time
Shift Pattern
5 days out of 7 Monday to Sunday: shift times vary: 6:30am - 2:30pm, 7:00am - 3pm, 10:30am - 6:30pm, 6:30am - 6:30pm
Salary
Up to £33,891.00 per annum, depending on experience + shift enhancements
Right to work in the UK
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencing employment.
Equal Opportunities
At Horder Healthcare, we are proud to champion and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all areas of our business. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to protected characteristics by applicable law.
Disability Confidence
As a disability confident employer, we are pleased to offer our full support should you require an alternative method of applying or any reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process.
Recruitment Process
In order to streamline our recruitment process, we reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications.
Pre-employment Checks
Due to the nature of work here at Horder Healthcare, and to ensure that we remain committed to our Safeguarding policy, any applicant upon an initial offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check). References and Occupational Health checks will also be taken up before appointment.
Head Chef in Crowborough employer: Horder Healthcare
At Horder Healthcare, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and employee wellbeing. As the Head Chef at The Horder Centre in Crowborough, you will not only lead a passionate catering team but also have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care through high-quality dining experiences. With competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we ensure our employees thrive in their roles while contributing to a vital healthcare environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Crowborough
✨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 Horder Healthcare. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Horder Healthcare
Don't be shy about reaching out to Horder Healthcare 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 Head Chef in Crowborough
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 Horder Healthcare 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 Horder Healthcare
✨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!
