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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, design menus, and ensure high-quality meals for elderly residents.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking care provider launching a new luxury care home.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £44,000 and a chance to shape culinary culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' wellbeing through exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, knowledge of specialist diets, and Level 3 Food Safety certification required.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to set culinary standards in a premium care setting.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are delighted to be opening a brand-new, purpose-built residential care home in Leighton Buzzard this July. As part of this exciting launch, we are recruiting a talented, compassionate, and highly experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver a first-class dining experience tailored to the needs of our elderly residents.
This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking care provider and make your mark from day one - shaping the kitchen, menus, and culinary culture in a premium care setting.
The Role:
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the full operation of the kitchen, overseeing the preparation of nutritious, flavoursome, and beautifully presented meals that enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents. Working closely with the Home Manager and care team, you will design menus that respect individual dietary needs and provide an enjoyable mealtime experience.
You will lead a small kitchen team, champion best practices in food hygiene, and ensure high standards in every dish served.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and deliver seasonal, balanced menus tailored to the nutritional needs of elderly residents
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations including staff management, food preparation, inventory control, and compliance
- Cater for diverse dietary requirements including texture-modified diets, diabetes, low-salt, vegetarian, and allergen-aware meals
- Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP), environmental health standards, and company policies
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment
Essential Skills:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally within a care home, hospital, or contract catering setting
- Knowledge of specialist diets including IDDSI, dysphagia, and diabetic meal planning
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certification (minimum)
Apply Today - This is more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to set the standard for culinary excellence in elderly care.
Head Chef employer: Howard Finley Ltd
Contact Detail:
Howard Finley Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of elderly residents. Understanding conditions like dysphagia and diabetes will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to providing tailored meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in elderly care dining experiences. Being able to discuss innovative menu ideas or how to enhance mealtime enjoyment can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the care home sector. Attend culinary events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the industry, which may lead to valuable insights or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a kitchen team and maintain high standards, as this role requires strong management capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Head Chef, particularly in care home or similar settings. Emphasise your knowledge of specialist diets and any relevant certifications, such as Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary excellence in elderly care. Mention specific examples of how you've designed menus or improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to food hygiene, staff management, and menu design. Make sure to mention your ability to cater to diverse dietary requirements, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since you'll be leading a small kitchen team, include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've championed best practices and maintained high standards in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howard Finley Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience as a Head Chef, especially in settings similar to a care home. Highlight specific dishes you've created that cater to dietary needs, and be ready to share how you ensure nutritional balance in your menus.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Dietary Requirements
Familiarise yourself with various dietary needs relevant to elderly residents, such as IDDSI and dysphagia diets. During the interview, express your knowledge and experience in creating meals that accommodate these requirements, showcasing your commitment to their health and wellbeing.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll lead a kitchen team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you manage staff effectively. Share examples of how you've motivated your team, maintained high standards, and fostered a positive kitchen environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with the interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the care home's vision, the kitchen culture, and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
