Executive Chef in Melksham

We’re one of the largest not for profit care provider 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.

Executive Chef

Location: Melksham, Wiltshire

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week 07:30-17:00

Contract Type: Permanent

MELKSHAM GARDENS - A BRAND-NEW CARE HOME OPENING IN 2027

Be part of something from the very beginning.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to join the team at Melksham Gardens, our brand-new 80-bed care home in Melksham.

A LITTLE ABOUT MELKSHAM GARDENS

Our new purpose-built home on Longleaze Lane will provide residential, nursing and dementia care, alongside respite and day care.

The home will feature 80 en-suite bedrooms, landscaped gardens, private dining, a cinema, gym and wellbeing facilities, activities room, salon and spa, and family accommodation. Innovative technology, including circadian lighting and acoustic monitoring, will support our person-centred approach to care.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

Joining a brand-new home is exciting – but it is also different.

Depending on the progress of the home, you may join us during the preparation and mobilisation period or as we welcome our first residents. Your exact start date may therefore be subject to change and could be later than initially anticipated.

We’re looking for an experienced chef who is comfortable with change and excited to help shape a home from the very beginning. Your culinary expertise and leadership will be invaluable as the hospitality team comes together, menus are developed and the dining experience and standards of Melksham Gardens are established.

This is an opportunity to put your own stamp on a new kitchen, inspire your team and create a dining experience that residents can enjoy and look forward to every day.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Executive Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional dining and hospitality experience for our residents.

You’ll be responsible for the provision and management of a first-class catering service, helping to create a home where people love to live. Working closely with the senior team, you’ll bring creativity and inspiration to menu planning, special events and dining experiences, while leading and developing colleagues across the hospitality team.

You’ll work closely with suppliers to source quality ingredients that meet residents’ individual needs and preferences, while managing budgets and achieving financial targets. You’ll also ensure that the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and quality are maintained throughout the kitchen and catering environment.

As part of a brand-new home, you’ll have the opportunity to develop menus, establish kitchen processes and build a team that takes pride in delivering excellent food and service from day one.

We’re looking for someone who understands that great food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about creating enjoyable experiences, supporting residents’ wellbeing and helping make Melksham Gardens a place where residents, families and colleagues feel at home.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll have excellent cooking skills, a strong understanding of ingredients and food service, and a passion for producing high-quality meals that create a first-class dining experience.

You’ll be confident developing menus that reflect different dining experiences, accommodate individual preferences and meet the nutritional needs of our residents.

Alongside your culinary expertise, you’ll bring strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, motivate and develop your team. You’ll know how to create a positive working environment where colleagues feel supported to grow in their roles and are encouraged to deliver their best.

You’ll also understand the importance of managing costs, working effectively with suppliers and maintaining a safe, hygienic and financially sustainable kitchen.

Most importantly, you’ll be adaptable, creative and enthusiastic about the opportunity to help establish a new care home. You’ll take pride in your work and be excited to create something special from the very beginning.

AND IN RETURN

We’re currently the second largest not-for-profit provider in the UK, meaning we reinvest every penny we make into our homes, residents’ lives and team members.

We’re committed to supporting our colleagues to grow and develop, offering opportunities for career progression and training within a nurturing, engaging and rewarding environment.

Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy as a valued member of our team:

• 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• A Company pension
• Life assurance
• Free uniform
• Free DBS
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card and "My Rewards" programme, offering discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more

BE PART OF THE BEGINNING

Come and help us make Melksham Gardens a truly exceptional place to live, work and belong, creating a dining experience that residents will love and a kitchen team you can be proud of.

#J-18808-Ljbffr