At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for residents while leading a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Kingsley Healthcare, a family-run care home group with a heart for making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development, paid breaks, and discounts through the Blue Light Card Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef, knowledge of nutrition, and a passion for cooking.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with opportunities for growth and a strong team spirit.
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 appetizing, 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 organized, 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?
You will have the satisfaction of working with, and being supported by, an enthusiastic and caring team that puts people at the heart of the business. We know the happiness of our staff improves the service we give our residents. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and we have the procedures and processes to help you at every step.
Location: Catchpole Court, set in the beautiful market town of Sudbury, with a picturesque lake nearby, offers nursing, dementia, residential and respite care in a comfortable environment that really feels like home Walnut Tree Lane, Sudbury CO10 1BD
Pay: £15 per hour (depending on experience)
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.
- 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.
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 in Sudbury employer: Kingsley Healthcare Group
Contact Detail:
Kingsley Healthcare Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Sudbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Kingsley Healthcare. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can show how your passion for care aligns with their mission.
✨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 relates to the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring along a sample of your cooking or suggest a dish you could prepare for the team. It’s a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Sudbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care: When writing your application, let your passion for delivering exceptional care shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
Tailor Your Menu Planning Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in planning and preparing nutritious meals. Mention any specific dietary requirements you’ve catered to and how you ensure meals are both appetising and within budget.
Emphasise Teamwork: As a Chef, being a team player is crucial. In your application, talk about how you've inspired and motivated kitchen staff in the past, and how you foster positive relationships with both colleagues and residents.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want to see your professional qualifications, don’t forget to add a personal touch. Share why you’re excited about joining Kingsley Healthcare and how you align with our values of compassion, integrity, and respect.
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 appealing meals for residents.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in detail. Bring along any relevant certifications or examples of your work, like photos of dishes you've prepared, to demonstrate your culinary expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since being a team player is crucial for this role, think of examples from your past where you successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight how you inspire and motivate your team to achieve common goals.
✨Understand Their Values
Kingsley Healthcare prides itself on compassion and integrity. Familiarise yourself with their values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a meaningful impact.