At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create exceptional dining experiences for our residents.
- Company: Join a leading not-for-profit care provider dedicated to quality and compassion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension, life assurance, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a modernising organisation with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven cooking skills, menu writing experience, and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're one of the largest not for profit care providers in the UK, specialising in providing high quality, person-centred care for older people, in care homes and extra care housing nationwide. At OSJCT we care about our residents and we care about each other. That means you'll enjoy great career development working for an expanding organisation. Because we're a not for profit trust, we invest every penny we make in the people who live in our homes and the people who work here too. This means better quality care and lovely homes for our residents, along with competitive wages and great training and development for our people.
We provide outstanding care, working closely with leading experts on dementia and elderly care. And we're currently modernising our portfolio of care homes – refurbishing our existing homes and moving into new, inspiring, contemporary care homes too. As we expand nationwide, we need more people with the right mix of skills, passion and ambition to help us grow even more.
Location: Wheatley, Oxfordshire
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
Wellford Gardens offers peace of mind with all-inclusive care in luxurious surroundings. Residents will live their lives in elegant accommodation, supported by dedicated care and hospitality teams, and some of the most innovative technologies available in the sector. Conveniently located in the community of Wheatley, Wellford Gardens is easily accessible from Oxford, surrounding villages, and further afield, thanks to excellent road links.
About the role
The Executive Chef will play a pivotal role in delivering a first‐class service to our residents. The Executive Chef will have responsibility for the provision and management of a 24‐hour, first‐class dining and hospitality experience within Wellford Gardens that delivers a home where people love to live. The main duties include working with the senior team and providing inspiration to create events, menus, and lead all your colleagues in the hospitality team. You will work closely with suppliers to source ingredients to meet the needs of your residents and at the same time meeting your financial targets, maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety in the hospitality and catering environment.
About you
You will need excellent cooking skills and a great understanding of ingredients and food service to produce a first‐class dining experience. You will need the ability to write menus that are in keeping with different dining experiences and meet the nutritional needs of our residents. You'll need great leadership skills too, these will support you to provide direction to the team, support them to develop and grow in their roles and maintain a healthy, safe and financially strong department.
About our benefits
- 28 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- A Company pension
- Life assurance
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more!
Executive Chef employer: Orders of St. John Care Trust
At OSJCT, we pride ourselves on being one of the largest not-for-profit care providers in the UK, dedicated to delivering exceptional, person-centred care for older people. Our commitment to investing in our staff and residents ensures a supportive work environment where career development is prioritised, alongside competitive wages and comprehensive training. Located in the serene community of Wheatley, Oxfordshire, Wellford Gardens offers a unique opportunity to create memorable dining experiences in a modern, luxurious setting, all while being part of a compassionate team that truly values its members.
Contact Details:
Orders of St. John Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨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 Orders of St. John Care Trust. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Orders of St. John Care Trust
Don't be shy about reaching out to Orders of St. John Care Trust 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 Executive Chef
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 Orders of St. John Care Trust 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 Orders of St. John Care Trust
✨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!
