At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for residents and support home events.
- Company: Join Lovett Care, a vibrant community focused on dignity and joy for elders.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, competitive pay, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through nutrition while enjoying work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and understanding of dietary needs.
- Other info: Friendly interview process with a practical cook-off to showcase your skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Sociable Hours. Supportive Team. Real Impact Through Nutrition.
We are looking for a motivated, skilled Chef who wants more than just a job; someone who wants balance, a great team, and the chance to make a genuine difference every day. Working alongside our Head Chef, you will help deliver a high-quality dining experience that supports residents' wellbeing, respects individual needs, and brings comfort and enjoyment to daily life.
This role includes preparing fresh, nutritious meals for up to 90 residents, as well as supporting the catering for the home's events and celebrations. It's a 40-hour contract at £15.00 per hour, with 07:30-17:30 shifts, no late nights, and alternate weekends, giving you the work/life balance most chefs only dream of.
Our interview process is completed in one visit: a short, friendly interview followed by a practical cook-off, giving you the perfect chance to showcase your creativity, skill, and passion for great food.
About Fairfax Manor Care Home:
Fairfax Manor in Harrogate offers high-quality Residential, Dementia, and Respite Care in a modern, luxury environment. With 90 ensuite bedrooms, dementia-friendly design, and amenities including a cinema, salon, café, and pub, the home reflects the Lovett Care commitment to exceptional comfort, safety, and wellbeing. All team members benefit from ongoing training, development, and pay at or above the national minimum wage.
Role Responsibilities:
- Present menus clearly to support resident choice
- Prepare meals in appropriate quantities, meeting medical, cultural, and personal dietary needs
- Deliver nutritious, well-presented meals on time and in the correct sequence
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP procedures
- Uphold excellent hygiene and cleanliness standards, including accurate cleaning records
- Lead and support the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence
- Motivate and inspire colleagues to consistently deliver high-quality food
Skills and Experience:
- Experience working during busy service periods
- Previous experience in a care home or similar setting
- Understanding of specialised diets and tailored service
- Ability to contribute to a four-week menu cycle
- Confidence in completing records to meet legal requirements
Benefits:
- Clear progression routes into senior and management roles
- 5.6 weeks annual leave
- Paid DBS
- Uniform provided
- Paid training and excellent induction
- Refer a Friend scheme (role-dependent)
- Support for nationally recognised qualifications
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wellbeing programmes
- Recognition awards (Employee of the Month, Golden Tickets)
- Ongoing career development
- Travel plan: walk or cycle to work and enjoy a free meal that day
- Pension scheme
- Early Pay access
About Lovett Care:
At Lovett, we believe our elders deserve more—more dignity, more respect, more joy, and more belonging. Our homes are vibrant communities where people continue to thrive, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments. When you join Lovett, you join a team that sees every resident as someone with a story to share and a life still full of possibility.
Chef - Saturday & Sunday in Derby employer: Lovett Care
Contact Detail:
Lovett Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Saturday & Sunday in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out Fairfax Manor's vibe online. Understanding their values and culture will help you connect during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in the cook-off! This is your chance to shine, so prepare a dish that not only tastes amazing but also reflects your creativity. Think about how you can cater to different dietary needs while keeping it delicious and nutritious.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions during the interview! This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about how you can make a real impact through nutrition. Plus, it gives you a better idea of what working there will be like.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Saturday & Sunday in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your creativity and skill in the kitchen, especially if you've worked with special diets or in a care home setting.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in busy service periods or similar environments. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and make a real impact on residents' wellbeing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can present menus clearly and communicate effectively with the 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 fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our supportive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lovett Care
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with different types of menus, especially those that cater to specific dietary needs. Being able to discuss how you would create a balanced menu for residents will show your understanding of their requirements and your creativity.
✨Showcase Your Skills
During the practical cook-off, focus on demonstrating your cooking techniques and presentation skills. Choose a dish that not only tastes great but also looks appealing. Remember, first impressions matter, especially in a dining experience!
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've motivated colleagues or contributed to a positive kitchen atmosphere.
✨Understand the Impact of Nutrition
Be ready to talk about the importance of nutrition in a care home setting. Highlight any relevant experience you have with specialised diets and how you can make a difference in residents' lives through food. This shows that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others.