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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for our residents.
- Company: Join Lovett Care, where we prioritise dignity and joy in elder care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5.6 weeks annual leave, paid training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and knowledge of specialised diets are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values warmth and passion.
Fairfax Manor Care Home in Harrogate offers high-quality Residential, Dementia, and Respite Care in a modern, luxurious setting designed to enhance comfort, independence, and community. With 90 elegant ensuite bedrooms, dementia-friendly layouts, and innovative features including fall prevention technology and electronic medication systems, the home combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design. Residents enjoy exceptional amenities including a cinema, beauty salon, Orangery café, and pub, all within an environmentally conscious building that blends sustainability with Harrogate's heritage.
The home reflects the Lovett Care vision of providing the highest standards of safety, comfort, and care. We invest in the latest technology and offer a purposeful programme of daily activity and gentle exercise to enhance the experience, care, and wellbeing of our residents. All team members are hand-selected for their warmth and passion; they have a full induction and ongoing training from our in-house trainers. Across Lovett Care, all of our staff are paid the national minimum wage or above.
We are seeking to appoint a kind, motivated, and experienced Head Chef to join our team. The role involves providing a high-quality food service to support residents, responsive to their needs, and contributing to their overall positive experience of living in the Home. We have a 40-hour contract available with a salary starting at £33,500 per annum. 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 choices on what they wish to eat.
- Ensure that meals are provided in sufficient quantities, taking into account the diets to meet medical, ethnic, and personal needs and preferences.
- Ensure all food is nutritionally balanced, attractively presented for service in a timely manner and in the correct sequence.
- Understand, follow, and adhere to company HACCP, ensuring full compliance.
- Ensure that the kitchen and serving areas are clean and hygienic and maintain a high standard of infection control, adhering to the Food Standards Act 1999.
- Manage, allocate duties, and supervise the kitchen team ensuring a quality delivery of services.
- Inspire and motivate the team to produce food to the expected high standards.
- Take part in recruitment of the kitchen staff with the Home Manager.
- Ability to work independently and organise other members of the kitchen team.
- Experience of working during busy meal periods including breakfast and evening meal service.
- Experience of working in a care home or similar.
- Knowledge of specialised diets and service delivery.
- Ability to contribute and develop the four-week menu.
- Ability to complete records demonstrating adherence to legal requirements.
- 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 specific roles.
- 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 dignity in everyday care, respect in every interaction, friendship, joy, and belonging. 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 REF-226 742.
Head Chef in Harrogate employer: Lovett Care
Contact Detail:
Lovett Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to care homes or hospitality. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it with potential employers. A little taste of your culinary magic can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a trial shift! Many places, including care homes, might want to see you in action before making a decision. Prepare to showcase your cooking prowess and how you interact with the team and residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate chefs who are eager to join our mission of providing exceptional care and dining experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating delicious meals shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how they can enhance the dining experience for our residents.
Tailor Your CV to Us: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in care homes or similar settings, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of specialised diets!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see how you fit into our team and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our caring community at Lovett Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lovett Care
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to be well-versed in the menu and able to discuss it confidently. Familiarise yourself with each dish, including ingredients, preparation methods, and how they cater to dietary needs. This will show your passion for food and your commitment to providing high-quality meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
During the interview, highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated your team to deliver exceptional service. This is crucial, as Lovett Care values warmth and passion in their staff.
✨Emphasise Your Compliance Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of HACCP and food safety regulations. Mention any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research Lovett Care's mission and values before the interview. Be ready to express how your personal philosophy aligns with their vision of dignity and respect for elders. Showing that you share their commitment to enhancing residents' lives through quality food will set you apart.
