At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join MHA at Hampton Lodge, a caring and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and care.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food safety principles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hampton Lodge, Southampton
Hours: 30 hours per week
Salary: £15.57 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
Hampton Lodge care home in Southampton is a welcoming and people-focused home where colleagues work together to provide respectful and uplifting care. The team environment is warm and collaborative, helping new colleagues feel supported and valued from day one.
With a strong emphasis on dignity, independence and person-centred support, colleagues play a key role in helping residents live well. MHA's charitable values shape the culture, promoting kindness, teamwork and opportunities to develop.
For job seekers wanting a meaningful career in a positive and supportive setting, Hampton Lodge offers a place to grow, learn and make a genuine impact.
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.
Chef based at Hampton Lodge, Southampton employer: Joveo
MHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and residents alike, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture at Hampton Lodge in Southampton. With a commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as generous benefits like 28 days of holiday and a strong pension scheme, MHA ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of older people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef based at Hampton Lodge, Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a stroll around Hampton Lodge or check out their website. Understanding their values and culture will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common chef interview questions, like how you handle dietary restrictions or manage kitchen hygiene. We can even help you role-play these scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share your love for cooking and how you create nutritious meals. Talk about any special dishes you’ve made that cater to specific dietary needs – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef based at Hampton Lodge, Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it can make a difference in the lives of our residents. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to quality food and service.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Chef position at Hampton Lodge. Highlight your previous experience in care or hospitality settings, and don’t forget to mention any catering qualifications you have!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know who you are!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 specific examples from your previous roles in care, hospitality, or restaurants where you successfully managed food safety and hygiene. Highlight any relevant qualifications you have, even if they aren't essential, to demonstrate your commitment to quality.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated with others in a kitchen environment, supervised staff, or trained new team members. This will show that you can contribute positively to the supportive culture at Hampton Lodge.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, such as managing food stocks or ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Practise your responses to these types of questions to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and knowledge.
