At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create high-quality, nutritious kosher meals.
- Company: Join Hammerson House, a values-led charitable organisation focused on community care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and free fitness classes.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with training opportunities and a strong community focus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through culinary excellence and compassionate leadership.
- Qualifications: Essential qualifications in professional cookery and food safety; experience managing a kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Hammerson House, Wohl Campus (Highgate). The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious and strictly kosher meals for residents, staff and visitors. This role combines culinary excellence, strong leadership and a compassionate understanding of the care home environment. The successful candidate will lead the catering team to ensure meals are prepared safely, hygienically and in full compliance with kosher dietary laws, UK food safety legislation and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
Working closely with the Catering Manager and wider care teams, the Head Chef will ensure menus meet residents’ nutritional, medical and cultural needs, while maintaining high standards of food quality, safety and presentation.
Education / Qualifications
- Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma / NVQ in Professional Cookery – Essential
- City & Guilds Certificate in Professional Catering – Essential
- Food Safety Level 3 – Desirable
- Diploma in Professional Cookery – Desirable
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to design balanced, varied and seasonal menus suitable for older residents
- Understanding of special diets, including allergies, diabetes, texture-modified diets and fortified meals
- Knowledge of Food Information Regulations 2014 (Allergens) and allergen management
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a busy kitchen environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to ensure meals are attractive, appropriately portioned and served at correct temperatures
- Compassionate approach when working within a care environment
Experience Required
- Experience managing a professional kitchen or catering team
- Strong team leadership and interpersonal skills
- Experience supervising chefs and kitchen assistants
- Ability to train and support junior kitchen staff
- Experience maintaining food safety records and kitchen compliance documentation
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Experience managing budgets and kitchen operations
- Strong organisational and operational management skills
- Good IT skills, including use of basic systems such as Microsoft Office
Benefits
- Salary: £45,000
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Subsidised canteen
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee discount programme
- Free on-site fitness classes
- Opportunity to work for a values-led charitable organisation with a strong community focus
- Training and development opportunities
- Life insurance
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨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 Nightingale Hammerson. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Nightingale Hammerson
Don't be shy about reaching out to Nightingale Hammerson 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 London
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 Nightingale Hammerson 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 Nightingale Hammerson
✨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!
