At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for residents while leading a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Kingsley Healthcare, a family-run business dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development, paid breaks, and discounts through the Blue Light Card Scheme.
- Other info: Work in a stunning new care home designed for resident comfort and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a B Corp certified company that values quality care and employee wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef, knowledge of nutrition, and strong communication skills are essential.
Kingsley Healthcare Group provided pay range. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
About The Company
At Kingsley Healthcare, we are more than just a care home group - we are a proud, family‑run business driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. Our dedicated teams transform care into a calling, delivering excellence with compassion, integrity, and respect. As the UK’s only large care home provider to achieve B Corp certification, we continue to lead the sector in responsible, values‑driven care. In 2024 and again in 2025, we were honoured to be named Health Investor’s Residential Elderly Large Care Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. For eight consecutive years, we’ve been recognised among the Top 20 Large UK Care Home Groups by carehome.co.uk, reflecting consistently high standards and resident satisfaction. We are also proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that the dedication of our team members is valued and fairly rewarded. Our commitment to people‑first values has earned us outstanding workplace recognition, including a 4.7 rating on Glassdoor, a 4.5 rating on Indeed, and the No.1 ranking in the UK for wellbeing at work (Indeed’s Better Work Awards 2023). If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional care and want to be part of a forward‑thinking organisation that puts both its residents and people at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Role
As a Chef, you will be responsible for the planning and provision of daily nutritious meals for all our residents while ensuring the food you purchase is fresh and within budget. In addition, you will ensure all health and safety and environmental standards are achieved and maintained. You must be a team player who will inspire and motivate your team.
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare daily menus that meet the nutritional needs and preferences of our residents.
- Prepare meals that are appetising, visually appealing, and within budget.
- Monitor food stocks and order supplies as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of food orders and inventory.
- Ensure that all food is stored, prepared, and served in a safe and hygienic manner.
- Train and supervise kitchen staff in food preparation and service.
- Implement and maintain health and safety procedures, including proper food handling and storage.
- Keep the kitchen clean and organised, including regular deep cleaning.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
- Build positive relationships with residents and their families, and respond promptly to their feedback and requests.
Skills and attributes:
- Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
- Excellent cooking skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques.
- Knowledge of nutrition and the ability to develop menus that meet dietary requirements.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Ability to train and supervise kitchen staff.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
Education and qualification:
- Food Hygiene Certified – Level 2 – willing to work towards Intermediate Food Hygiene qualifications.
- First Aid Certified.
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Food Preparation/Catering.
What will you gain?
Sycamore Heights Care Home, Bedford, Bedfordshire Pay: £16 per hour Type: Permanent Shift: Mixed (Weekdays/Weekends)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive induction and training programme.
- Opportunities for career development and progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Blue Light Card Scheme – we’ll reimburse the enrolment fee of this fantastic scheme that offers discounts on holidays, days out and over 15,000 national brands.
- Loyalty Bonus: Accrue up to 5 additional holiday days depending on length of service.
- Refer a friend and receive a thank you gift of up to £500.
- We’ll pay for your full DBS disclosure.
- Your uniform will be provided.
- Enhanced rates of pay for bank holidays.
- Paid breaks.
Location: Our latest nursing home in the heart of Bedford will provide an intimate, relaxed abode for care seekers demanding the luxurious features of a five‑star boutique hotel. It has been designed with resident wellbeing in mind and our top team of interior decorators will ensure a stunning finish to the home’s 35 delightfully appointed bedrooms and spacious living areas. 73 Shakespeare Road, Bedford, MK40 2DW.
Your right to work in the UK: In accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 you will need to demonstrate your eligibility for employment in the United Kingdom.
Chef employer: Kingsley Healthcare Group
At Kingsley Healthcare Group, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values compassion and integrity in delivering exceptional care. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our Real Living Wage status, comprehensive training programmes, and opportunities for career progression, all within a beautifully designed care home in Bedford that prioritises resident comfort and satisfaction. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that truly values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Kingsley Healthcare Group. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right in with their family-run ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on your experience as a Chef and how it aligns with the role. Remember, they want to see your passion for delivering exceptional care!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a menu plan that showcases your creativity and understanding of nutrition. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your culinary expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for others shine through. We want to see how you can make a meaningful difference in our residents' lives with your culinary skills!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience as a Chef, especially in healthcare or hospitality settings. We love seeing how your skills align with our values and the role's requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and skills, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Kingsley Healthcare.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsley Healthcare Group
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and prepare a few sample menus that cater to various dietary needs. This shows your understanding of nutrition and your ability to create appetising meals that residents will love.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in previous roles. Bring along any certifications or examples of your work, like photos of dishes you've prepared, to demonstrate your culinary skills and creativity.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since being a team player is crucial for this role, think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight how you inspire and motivate your team, as well as how you handle feedback from both staff and residents.
✨Understand Health & Safety
Brush up on health and safety regulations relevant to food preparation and handling. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and how you train your team to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
