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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, create seasonal menus, and manage a passionate team.
- Company: Retirement Villages Group is redefining retirement living in the UK with vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, modern facilities, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives while fostering a collaborative kitchen culture.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification and experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef required.
- Other info: Join us at Botanical Place, a flagship community focused on inclusivity and quality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
At Retirement Villages Group, we believe that ageing should be about freedom, not compromise. We are on a mission to redefine retirement living in the UK by creating inclusive, vibrant communities where individuals live independently, stay connected, and age well on their own terms. We are recruiting a Head Chef for Botanical Place, West Byfleet – our brand-new Thrive village opening its doors to a bold new chapter in retirement living. As Head Chef, you will lead all kitchen operations from seasonal menu design and event catering to team development and food safety, delivering high-quality, resident-focused dining experiences in this state-of-the-art community.
Responsibilities
- Menu Development & Culinary Leadership
- Create seasonal, nutritious, and flavourful menus tailored to residents\\\’ needs and tastes
- Champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible
- Lead special event and hospitality catering across the village
- Maintain accurate dish data in procurement and EPoS systems
- Kitchen Operations & Budget Management
- Manage kitchen staff, schedules, and performance
- Control kitchen budgets, stock levels, and monthly stocktakes
- Drive cost-effective procurement and food margin optimisation
- Ensure delivery of exceptional quality alongside commercial efficiency
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Uphold rigorous food hygiene and H&S standards at all times
- Complete daily walk-throughs of kitchen and dining areas
- Keep all equipment maintained and audits up to date using internal systems
- Team Development
- Lead a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
- Support recruitment and onboarding of new staff
- Design Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and training for chefs and support staff
- Resident Experience
- Interact with residents, gathering feedback and continuously enhancing the offering
- Help shape a welcoming, inclusive and memorable dining experience
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification or equivalent
- Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a similar environment
- Strong culinary skills and passion for high-quality food
- Proven experience leading teams and managing budgets
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Understanding of dietary requirements of older adults
- Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check
Desirable
- Experience in care, hospitality or retirement living sectors
- Knowledge of kitchen compliance systems and Microsoft Office
- Experience with event and function catering
Our Values
- Age Well – We create opportunities to live life to the full at every stage
- Community – We believe in the power of togetherness
- Keep Improving – We learn, adapt and grow continuously
- Planet Positive – We care for the environment and act responsibly
- One Team – We succeed together, with support and trust
We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Brand new, purpose-built facilities with modern kitchens and equipment
- Learning and development opportunities
- Supportive culture with wellbeing and recognition initiatives
- A chance to build something from the ground up in a flagship community
Botanical Place is more than a new location – it\\\’s a new vision. If you\\\’re ready to make your mark and lead a passionate team in a fresh, purpose-driven environment, we would love to hear from you!
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Head Chef employer: Retirement Villages Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Retirement Villages Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of older adults. Understanding how to create nutritious and appealing meals for this demographic will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about resident wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in managing kitchen operations and budgets. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised food costs while maintaining high-quality standards, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills by sharing instances where you've successfully developed a positive kitchen culture. Emphasising your ability to mentor and train staff will resonate well with the values of teamwork and community.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Retirement Villages Group and their mission. Being able to articulate how your culinary vision aligns with their goal of creating vibrant communities will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your culinary qualifications and experience. Include specific examples of menu development, team leadership, and budget management that demonstrate your expertise.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Mention any previous roles in care, hospitality, or retirement living sectors. Discuss your understanding of dietary requirements for older adults and how you can enhance the dining experience for residents.
Personalise Your Application: Craft a unique cover letter that reflects your passion for high-quality food and community living. Address how you embody the values of Retirement Villages Group and why you want to be part of their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Retirement Villages Group Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
As a Head Chef, your love for food and cooking should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients into your menus. This will demonstrate your commitment to high-quality dining experiences.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams and fostering a positive work culture. Share examples of how you've supported staff development and created a collaborative environment, as this aligns with the company's values of community and teamwork.
✨Understand Resident Needs
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements of older adults and be ready to discuss how you would tailor menus to meet these needs. Showing that you prioritise resident satisfaction will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing kitchen budgets and controlling costs. Prepare examples of how you've optimised food margins while maintaining quality, as this is crucial for the role.
