At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and ensure exceptional dining experiences for residents.
- Company: Join a supportive team in a state-of-the-art kitchen environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, enhanced holiday pay, and extra annual leave after 3 years.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal development and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference with your culinary skills while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of catering experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15.53 - 15.53 £ per hour.
Are you a skilled and passionate Chef ready to take the next step in your culinary career? We’re looking for a creative, detail‑driven professional to join our team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. With at least two years of catering experience, strong communication skills, and solid knowledge of food regulations, therapeutic diets, and textured diets, you’ll thrive in our supportive and structured environment. If you’re committed to high standards, enjoy crafting nutritious and delicious meals, and want a role where your talent truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!
We offer some excellent rewards and benefits including:
- 1 free meal per shift.
- Enhanced Bank Holiday pay.
- Uniform provided.
- Increased Annual Leave entitlement - team members who work with us for 3 years or more get extra annual leave.
- Cycle to Work scheme – save money on commuting costs and improve your health.
- Milestone Birthdays - get extra time off to celebrate that special birthday.
- Company sick pay which is over and above the statutory entitlement (subject to length of service).
- Refer a Friend Scheme for successful referrals for all permanent roles within Oakland Care (T&C's apply).
- Recognition and staff appreciation initiatives.
- Long service awards.
- Health Cash Plan (subject to T&Cs).
- Death in Service Benefit (subject to T&Cs).
Location: Hyllden Heights, 140 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge TN11 9HJ
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay: £15.53 per hour
Contract: Full-time
Shift: Days
As a Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Head Chef with the day‑to‑day management of our fast‑paced, state‑of‑the‑art kitchen. Working closely with the Head Chef and our fantastic kitchen team, you’ll help deliver dishes of the highest standard while ensuring every resident receives an exceptional dining experience. This role also offers a great opportunity for personal development and career progression within a supportive and dynamic environment.
What you will be doing:
- Delivering an excellent food service at all times.
- Following care and support plans to meet the specific nutritional needs of each resident.
- Preparing nutritious snacks as requested by the General Manager.
- Ensuring all prepared food is high‑quality, flavoursome, and beautifully presented.
- Collaborating closely with the Head Chef to maintain smooth kitchen operations.
- Managing stock control, including ordering and replenishment.
What you need to succeed:
- Strong communication skills.
- Ideally, a minimum of 2 years’ catering experience.
- Awareness of relevant food regulations and standards.
- Knowledge of therapeutic and textured diets (advantageous).
- Proven experience delivering a high‑quality catering service.
- Ability to follow a structured menu while bringing creativity to your dishes.
Chef employer: Hyllden Heights-Catering
At Oakland Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and dedication in our culinary team. Located in the picturesque Hilden Heights, our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and career progression, offering a range of benefits including enhanced annual leave, milestone birthday time off, and a Health Cash Plan. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our residents' dining experiences while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career in a state-of-the-art kitchen environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨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 Hyllden Heights-Catering. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hyllden Heights-Catering
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hyllden Heights-Catering 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
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 Hyllden Heights-Catering 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 Hyllden Heights-Catering
✨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!
