At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join MHA at The Fairways, a supportive care home in Chippenham.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food safety principles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Fairways, Chippenham
Hours: 30 hours per week
Salary: £16.14 per hour
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Care Home. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in supporting residents' health, wellbeing and enjoyment of daily life through high-quality, nutritious meals.
As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals that meet residents' dietary and nutritional needs, while respecting individual choice, dignity and cultural preferences. You will help maintain a safe, efficient and welcoming kitchen environment, in line with food safety legislation and MHA values.
What you will do
- Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for occasional events.
- Plan menus with the Home Manager to ensure meals are balanced, appealing and meet individual dietary needs, including those of residents living with dementia.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.
- Manage food stocks and ordering, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to agreed budgets.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and food storage areas.
- Supervise and support kitchen assistants and oversee others using the kitchen.
- Assist with the induction and training of new kitchen staff.
- Attend staff and resident meetings where appropriate.
About you
We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and passionate about delivering good-quality food and service for older people. You will bring:
- Previous experience cooking in a care, hospitality, restaurant or pub environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of food safety and HACCP principles.
- The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues.
- A flexible approach to work and willingness to work a 7-day rota.
- Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality and customer-focused service.
- Willingness to undertake further training and development as required.
- Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent) are desirable but not essential.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering plays a central role in residents' wellbeing, and your contribution will be valued and recognised.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable).
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund.
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies.
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
- A full induction, ongoing training and clear development opportunities.
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution.
About the home
The Fairways care home in Chippenham is a friendly and values driven home where colleagues work together to provide high quality residential and dementia care. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with colleagues supporting one another to deliver the best possible experiences for residents. Colleagues help promote dignity, independence and wellbeing, contributing to a calm and positive environment. MHA's charitable foundations shape a culture of kindness, teamwork and continual development.
For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a supportive and people focused home, The Fairways offers opportunities to grow, develop skills and feel proud of the difference they make.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA's Recruitment Team.
Bistro Chef based at The Fairways, Chippenham employer: Joveo
At MHA, The Fairways in Chippenham, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both our residents and staff. As a Bistro Chef, you will not only enjoy competitive pay and generous benefits, including 28 days of holiday and a strong pension scheme, but also have the opportunity to grow your culinary skills in a warm, team-oriented environment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bistro Chef based at The Fairways, Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a stroll around The Fairways or check out their website. Understanding their values and what they stand for will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try cooking a few dishes that align with the dietary needs of older people. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you real examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with others, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in the kitchen. Highlighting your communication skills can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the MHA family and contributing to the wellbeing of residents at The Fairways.
We think you need these skills to ace Bistro Chef based at The Fairways, Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what motivates you to create delicious meals, especially for older people. We want to know why you're excited about this role!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bistro Chef position. Highlight relevant experience in care or hospitality settings, and mention any specific skills that align with our values at MHA. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this role involves a 7-day rota, be upfront about your availability in your application. If you have any flexibility or specific preferences, let us know! It helps us understand how you can best fit into our kitchen schedule.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at The Fairways!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of older people, especially those living with dementia. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced and appealing menus that cater to these needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your previous roles in care, hospitality, or restaurants. Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing food safety and HACCP principles, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of hygiene in a kitchen environment.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you would contribute to maintaining a positive and collaborative kitchen atmosphere at The Fairways.
✨Passion for Quality Service
Express your commitment to delivering high-quality food and service. Share your passion for cooking and how it aligns with the values of MHA, particularly in enhancing the wellbeing of residents through nutritious meals.
