At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for our residents.
- Company: Join Lovett Care, where we believe in providing more for our elders.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5.6 weeks annual leave, paid training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on community and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a care home kitchen and knowledge of specialised diets are essential.
The predicted salary is between 41600 - 52000 £ per year.
Chelmsford Manor Care Home is a brand-new, purpose-built luxury care home located on Galleywood Road in the vibrant city of Chelmsford.
Opening in 2026, the home has been thoughtfully designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, nursing and respite care in an environment where comfort, dignity and independence are at the heart of everyday life.
Every detail has been carefully considered to create a welcoming home, combining elegant surroundings, innovative technology and compassionate, person-centred care to ensure residents receive the highest standards of support.
Situated within easy reach of Chelmsford city centre and surrounded by the beautiful Essex countryside, Chelmsford Manor offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and convenience.
The home will feature bright, contemporary living spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens, stylish communal lounges and a range of luxury amenities designed to encourage social connection, wellbeing and meaningful experiences.
As part of the local community, Chelmsford Manor will provide residents with a place where they can continue to live fulfilling lives while enjoying the reassurance of expert care delivered by a dedicated and passionate team.
We are seeking to appoint a kind, motivated and experienced Head Chef to join our team.
To provide a high quality food service to support residents, responsive to their needs contribute to their overall positive experience of living in the Home.
We have a 40 hours contract available with an hourly rate of £20.00!
Shift times are 0730-1730, with alternate weekend working.
Role Responsibilities
- Ensure that menus are presented and displayed in a way that residents can understand them and make daily choice on what they wish to ear during the day.
- Ensure that meals are provided in sufficient quantities, taking into accountthe diets to meet medical, ethnicand personal needs and preferences.
- Ensure all food is nutritionally balanced, attractively presented for servicein a timely mannerand in the correct sequence.
- Understand, followand adhere to company HACCP, ensuring full compliance.
- Ensure that the kitchen and serving areas are clean and hygienic andmaintaina high standard of infection control and adhere to the Food Standards Act1999, andensuring cleaning rotas are adhered to and records kept.
- Manage, allocatedutiesand supervise the kitchen team ensuring a quality delivery of services.
- Inspire and motivate the team produce food to the expectedhigh standards.
- Take part in recruitment of the kitchen staff with the Home Manager.
Skills and experience required
- To be able to work independently and organise other members of the kitchen team is essential.
- Experience of working during busy meal periods including breakfast and evening meal service is essential.
- Experience of working in a care home or similar is essential.
- Knowledge of specialised diets and service delivery is essential.
- Ability to contribute and develop thefour weekmenu is essential.
- Ability to complete recordsdemonstratingadherence to legal requirements is essential.
- The Benefits
- Opportunities to progress through our career paths into more senior and management roles
- 5.6 weeks annual leave per annum
- Paid DBS
- Uniform provided
- Paid training
- Refer a friend referral scheme, for the following roles only – Registered Nurse, Team Leader/Senior Care Assistant and Care Assistant
- Excellent induction programme for new starters
- A rewarding career with lots of opportunities to progress within the company
- Ongoing support and training for nationally recognised qualifications
- A competitive rate of pay
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing programmes
- Recognition awards – employee of the month and golden tickets
- Ongoing career development
- Travel plan – walk or ride a bike and get a free meal that day
- Pension scheme
- Early Pay- access to your money as you earn (pay advance)
- About Lovett Care
At Lovett, we believe our elders deserve more.
Not out of duty or pity, but because they've earned it, and because the good life doesn't stop at 80, 90, or 100.
We believe in more…More dignity in everyday care.
More respect in every interaction.
More friendship, joy, and belonging.
More moments that matter.
Our homes aren't waiting rooms.
They're communities where people thrive, where days are full of possibility, voices are heard, and the wonder of people shines through in every conversation, every shared meal, every burst of laughter down the hall.
When you choose Lovett, you're choosing a place that sees your loved one as we see our own elders: as people who still have everything to give, and everything to gain.
We are Lovett.
We believe in more for our elders.
This position is subject to a DBS check
Head Chef in Chelmsford employer: Lovett Care Group
At Lovett Care, we are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our employees, particularly in our new Chelmsford Manor Care Home. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression within a vibrant community that values dignity and respect. Our focus on employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and recognition awards ensures that you will thrive both personally and professionally in this rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Chelmsford
✨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 Lovett Care Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lovett Care Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lovett Care Group 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 Head Chef in Chelmsford
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 Lovett Care Group 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 Lovett Care Group
✨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!
