Care Home Chef in Buckhurst Hill

Job Title: Care Home Chef Location: Buckhurst Hill, Essex Pay Rate: £17-£18 per hour (UMB) Contract: Ongoing Shift Patterns: 2-3 days per week 8am – 6pm - Flexibility throughout the week About the Role Nocturnal Recruitment Solutions are looking for a Care Home Chef to join a care home based in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a care home or similar environment and be able to prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for residents while maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards. The care home we are recruiting on behalf of are offering hours throughout the week with 8:00am – 6:00pm shifts, at a competitive rate of £17–£18 per hour. Role Overview You will play an important role in the wellbeing of residents by preparing fresh, nutritious and appetising meals that cater to individual dietary needs, allergies and preferences. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their cooking, understands the importance of nutrition in a care environment and consistently maintains high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness. Previous care home experience and a relevant food qualification are essential for this role. The ideal candidate will understand the importance of nutrition within a care environment and take pride in providing high-quality meals while maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and cook nutritious meals for over 30 residents. * Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality meals that meet resident dietary and nutritional needs while adhering to budget guidelines * Maintain exceptional food presentation standards and ensure meals are prepared to the highest quality * Lead and manage kitchen operations efficiently, ensuring all services run smoothly * Implement and maintain rigorous Health and Safety and Food Hygiene standards in all kitchen activities * Supervise and support kitchen team members, fostering a collaborative and professional working environment * Manage stock levels, ordering, and planning ahead to ensure sufficient supplies and staffing * Maintain strong relationships with residents, families, management and colleagues through excellent communication * Ensure compliance with CQC requirements in relation to nutrition and hydration * Respond to emergency situations and be available outside standard working hours when required Essential Requirements * Previous experience working within a care home. * Proven experience working as a chef in a professional kitchen * Demonstrated supervisory or management experience in a kitchen environment * Level 3 qualification in Catering or equivalent QCF qualification * Good understanding of CQC requirements in relation to nutrition and hydration * Comprehensive knowledge of Health and Safety and Food Hygiene legislation * Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels * Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure * Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships * Compassionate approach to care, with respect for resident needs and dignity * Self-motivated, proactive and adaptable nature * Ability to work flexibly, including alternate weekends and outside standard hours in emergency situations * Right to work in the UK * Enhanced DBS clearance Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will be an experienced Chef who understands the specific needs of care home residents and takes pride in providing nutritious, varied and high-quality meals. You will have a strong understanding of food safety, dietary requirements and nutrition, together with a caring and professional approach