At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and support a friendly kitchen team.
- Company: Join Oakland Care Ltd, a compassionate employer dedicated to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, extra leave, and health perks while you work.
- Other info: Dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef and a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
Senior Chef
Company: Oakland Care Ltd Salary: £18.00 per hour Hours: Full-time Location: Chigwell, IG7 6HX Job type: Permanent Posting date: 11 Sept 2026 Closing date: 24 Sept 2026
Summary looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Chef to join our friendly team. Working alongside the Head Chef, you will help deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that support the health and wellbeing of our residents.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys making a real difference through food, ensuring every resident receives meals that are both enjoyable and tailored to their individual dietary needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys making a real difference through food, ensuring every resident receives meals that are both enjoyable and tailored to their individual dietary needs.
We offersome excellent rewards and benefits including
- We offer all team members 1 freemeal per shift.
- Uniform provided.
- Increased Annual Leave entitlement - team members who work with us for 3 years or more, get extra annual leave.
- Cycle to Work scheme – why not save money on commuting costs and improve your health at the same time.
- Milestone Birthdays - get EXTRA time off to celebrate that special birthday.
- Company sickpay which is over and above the statutory entitlement (subjectto length of service).
- Refer a Friend Scheme for successful referrals - for all permanent roles within Oakland Care (T&C's apply).
- Recognition and staff appreciation initiatives.
- Long service awards.
- Health Cash Plan (subject to T&Cs).
- Death in Service Benefit (subject to T&Cs).
- And much
Contract
Full-time, Permanent
Shift
- Days (5 days across 7, includes some weekends)
- Key
Responsibilities
- Assist the Head Chef in planning and preparing nutritious, appetising meals.
- Support the delivery of varied menus that cater for special diets, allergies, and cultural preferences.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control standards.
- Supervise kitchen staff and support the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Monitor food stock levels and assist with ordering and stock control.
- Ensure all meals are served on time and to a high standard.
- Help maintain accurate records in line with CQC and food safety requirements.
- Promote a positive and collaborative working environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who has
- Previous experience as a Chef, Chef de Partie, or similar role.
- A passion for producing high-quality, nutritious food.
- Knowledge of dietary requirements within a care setting.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 desirable).
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
- A caring, compassionate, and resident-focused approach.
If you are a dedicated chef who takes pride in creating exceptional meals and would like to join a team that values care, compassion, and quality, we would love to hear from you.
Oakland Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate employment and DBS checks.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Read more in Chigwell employer: Oakland Care Ltd
At Oakland Care Ltd., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work culture where compassion and professional growth are at the forefront. Located in Wantage, our team enjoys competitive pay, flexible zero hours engagement, and generous benefits such as free meals per shift and enhanced holiday pay, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more in Chigwell
✨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 Oakland Care Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Oakland Care Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Oakland Care Ltd 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 Read more in Chigwell
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 Oakland Care Ltd 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 Oakland Care Ltd
✨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!