At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and manage a small kitchen team in a caring environment.
- Company: Join a leading not-for-profit care provider dedicated to quality and compassion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, competitive pay, free uniform, and discounts on shopping.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a fulfilling culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for cooking for large groups.
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: Berryfield Rd, Princes Risborough HP27 0HE
Contracted hours: 34.5
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you an experienced chef, used to catering for large groups of people, looking to design your own menus, cooking with fresh seasonal food? Are you looking for your next challenge without split shifts and anti-social hours? Would you like full autonomy over menu development, with the opportunity to cook nutritious, high quality, flavoursome and well-balanced meals that our residents will love?
Working as a Chef in our homes, you’ll oversee all aspects of our kitchen and catering services including management of a small team, ensuring the highest standards of nutrition, hygiene and safety at all times. You may occasionally be asked to cater for meals for other day centres, luncheon clubs and community activities and some weekend work will be required.
Nutrition is an important element of the care package that we provide. You’ll be actively involved in the nutritional needs of our residents to ensure that a high-quality dining experience is received by everyone. You’ll build relationships with our residents and their families so that you understand and can accommodate their personal preferences.
In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes.
Icknield Court care home is conveniently located close to the town centre of Princes Risborough, and is also within easy reach of High Wycombe. Our care home provides a friendly and modern living environment and offers 90 individual rooms positioned across six separate wings. With many facilities and plenty of outdoor and communal space, residents can participate in stimulating social activities and enjoy each other’s company. Personal items can be brought from home and added to rooms to provide those homely touches.
AND IN RETURN
The Trust is a great place to work; we’ve been providing care for almost 1,000 years and we’re currently the second largest not-for-profit provider in the UK. Not-for-profit means that we reinvest every penny we make into our residents, colleagues and the care homes we live and work in. Therefore, we offer a great range of benefits, including a competitive salary, training and development. Alongside keeping our colleagues safe with PPE and daily testing.
Here are some of the other benefits you’ll enjoy as a valued member of our team:
- 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- A Company pension
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Higher rates of pay at weekends
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £1000 for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us
- Blue Light Card and “My Rewards” programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more
ABOUT YOU
You’ll need to have previous experience of working in a professional kitchen, providing meals for large numbers, with knowledge of menu planning for specialist diets. Ideally you will hold, or be working towards, a Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership or equivalent but this is not essential. You’ll have experience of leading, motivating and inspiring a team and be confident in engaging with our elderly residents to understand their individual needs. You’ll know how to manage your budget and stock effectively.
If you think you have the right skills and attitude we’re looking for as a chef within our care homes, then you could be the next to join us. So, apply and get your career started with us today.
Chef in Princes Risborough 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 high-quality, person-centred care for older people. Our commitment to investing in our staff and residents creates a supportive work environment where you can thrive, with opportunities for career development, competitive wages, and a strong focus on employee well-being. Join us in our modern, friendly care home in Princes Risborough, where you will have the autonomy to create delicious, nutritious meals while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.
Contact Details:
Orders of St. John Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Princes Risborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in care homes. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or even a dish that showcases your culinary talents. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the organisation! Familiarise yourself with OSJCT’s values and mission. When you know what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Princes Risborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to providing great care. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for creating nutritious meals that residents will enjoy.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in catering for large groups and any menu planning you've done, as this is key for us.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, we’re all about person-centred care! In your application, mention how you’ve engaged with residents or clients in the past to understand their preferences and dietary needs. This shows us you’re a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orders of St. John Care Trust
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to think about the types of menus you would create for the residents. Be ready to discuss your ideas on using fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you would cater to special dietary needs. This shows your passion for nutrition and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a chef, you'll be leading a small team, so it's important to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and inspired your team in previous roles. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to ensure a positive kitchen environment.
✨Connect with the Care Aspect
This role is not just about cooking; it’s about providing a high-quality dining experience for residents. Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with residents and their families to understand their preferences. Show that you care about their well-being and are committed to enhancing their quality of life through food.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the current menu, the team dynamics, or how they incorporate resident feedback into meal planning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
