At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for residents and craft appealing menus.
- Company: Luxury care home in Christchurch with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Earn £16.15 per hour, enjoy training, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a welcoming environment where your creativity truly matters.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Chef with IDDSI experience and a passion for good food.
The predicted salary is between 16.15 - 16.15 £ per hour.
£16.15 per hour | £33,592 per annum | 40 hours per week | Permanent | Alternate weekends
Qualified Chef with IDDSI experience? We'd love to hear from you. At Fairmile Grange, great food isn't just about filling plates. It's about enjoyment, comfort, conversation and making someone's day. We're looking for a talented Chef who loves cooking from fresh ingredients, takes pride in quality and understands the importance of delivering exceptional food to older people, including those with specialist dietary requirements. This is an opportunity to use your culinary skills in a beautiful, luxury care home where your creativity, knowledge and contribution really matter.
Why join us?
- £16.15 per hour – approximately £33,592 per annum.
- 40 hours per week, full-time permanent position.
- Alternate weekends.
- A beautiful luxury care home in Christchurch.
- A supportive team and welcoming working environment.
- Training, development and opportunities for progression.
- The satisfaction of knowing your cooking makes a real difference every day.
What will you be doing?
You'll prepare fresh, nutritious and delicious meals for our residents, creating menus that offer variety, choice and plenty of enjoyment. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and cooking fresh meals to a consistently high standard.
- Creating varied and appealing menus, including seasonal dishes and special occasions.
- Preparing and presenting texture-modified meals in accordance with IDDSI requirements.
- Catering for residents with dysphagia, allergies and other specialist dietary needs.
- Ensuring appropriate food consistency, presentation and compliance with IDDSI standards.
- Managing food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets.
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, safety and cleanliness standards.
- Supporting kitchen assistants and working closely with the care team.
- Contributing ideas for celebrations, themed dining and special events.
What we're looking for
You'll be a qualified Chef (Level 2 essential, Level 3 desirable) with previous professional kitchen experience and a genuine passion for good food. Importantly, you'll have:
- Practical experience of IDDSI and preparing texture-modified meals.
- A good understanding of dysphagia and the different IDDSI levels.
- Knowledge of food safety, allergens and specialist dietary requirements.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver consistently good food.
- A positive, reliable and team-focused approach.
- Flexibility to work alternate weekends.
- Care-home experience would be an advantage, but we're also interested in Chefs from restaurants, hotels, pubs and contract catering who have the relevant IDDSI knowledge and experience.
About Fairmile Grange
Fairmile Grange is a luxury residential and dementia care home in Christchurch, Dorset, and part of the award-winning Allegra Care Group. Our household model of care creates a warm, welcoming environment where residents enjoy personalised support, meaningful relationships and exceptional dining experiences.
Ready for something a little different? If you love cooking, care about quality and want a job where your skills are genuinely appreciated, come and join us. Apply today and help make every meal something special.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including Skilled Worker sponsorship, transfers of sponsorship or supplementary employment arrangements relying on sponsorship by another employer.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £16.15 per hour (£33,592 per annum equivalent)
Hours: 40 per week, including alternate weekends
Location: Christchurch, Dorset
Care Home Chef employer: Kestrel HR
Graysons offers an exceptional work environment at the stunning Leeds Castle, where culinary creativity thrives. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a supportive team culture, we provide our chefs with opportunities to grow their skills while working in a prestigious venue. Join us for a rewarding career that celebrates passion and ambition in the culinary arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Home 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 Kestrel HR. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kestrel HR
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kestrel HR 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 Care Home 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 Kestrel HR 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 Kestrel HR
✨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!
