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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Luxury care home group focused on personalised resident care.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Enjoy a fulfilling role without split shifts while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to continuous learning and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Care Home: Chalkwell Grange
Hours per week: 40
Salary: To be discussed
About the role:
We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. Working as a Head Chef at Sanders Senior Living, you will have the chance to deliver hotel and restaurant standard meals without the split shifts and long hours. Our Head Chefs have full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus, whilst liaising with residents to ensure they are involved in the menu creations. We are looking for a warm, motivated, and passionate Head Chef who is driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person-centred hospitality to our residents.
Benefits of working with Sanders Senior Living:
- 28 days Paid Holiday
- Pension Scheme
- Blue Light Card and access to various other discounts on travel, restaurants, days out and leisure
- Employee Assistance Scheme that is also available to immediate family members
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Free DBS Check and uniform
- Funding and support towards obtaining NVQs
- Opportunities to progress your career within the company
- Free, on-site parking
- Employee of the Month awards
Key responsibilities:
- Work within the agreed company budget.
- Ensure all kitchen staff are trained on dish specification and budget control.
- Manage the stock in the kitchen.
- Inspire and motivate the team to achieve food to specification and therefore ensure satisfaction of our residents.
- Lead by example, setting the pace and standards.
- Meet monthly with the management team to ensure dietary requirements for all residents are met.
- Train and develop the team to deliver food to specification and exceed residents expectations.
- Ensure all food is cooked to a safe temperature and is taste tested before serving.
- Ensure that the storage of food meets company and statutory health and safety requirements.
- Deliver the company kitchen standards as identified on the kitchen audit.
- Implement and ensure the company Health and Safety policy is met at all times; this includes the training of all kitchen staff.
About you:
The successful Head Chef will have relevant experience within a catering environment. You will have a secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and be able to implement methods to ensure these needs are met. You will also have your Intermediate/Advanced Food Hygiene certificate, and a full understanding of H.A.C.C.P. You will be responsible for ensuring this is adhered to, and all relevant documentation is completed. Additionally, you will have experience in achieving food margins, and writing and planning menus with costing. As a Head Chef, you will possess excellent leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
About Sanders Senior Living:
Sanders Senior Living is a luxury care home group with state-of-the-art residences brimming with premium facilities and exceptional services. Optimum health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. And we do it with a difference. Our commitment to delivering personalised care is at the core of our mission, as we strive to celebrate the lives of each and every one of our residents. At Sanders Senior Living, we prioritise the professional development of our staff by investing in comprehensive internal, external, and e-training programs at all levels. This dedication to continuous learning and growth ensures that our team is equipped to provide the highest quality of care to our residents. As we look towards the future, our reputation for delivering innovative care for individuals living with dementia continues to flourish. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of care excellence and setting new standards in the industry.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of adults. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances. You can apply for this role by completing our short application form or by visiting the home where one of our team can help you.
Head Chef in Leigh-on-Sea employer: Sanders Senior Living
Contact Detail:
Sanders Senior Living Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Leigh-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sanders Senior Living. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right in with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight specific dishes or menus you've created that align with the role. Bring examples of how you've catered to dietary needs and preferences, as this will resonate well with their focus on person-centred hospitality.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so share stories about how you've inspired and motivated your kitchen staff in the past. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if Sanders Senior Living is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Leigh-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out the application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for cooking and hospitality.
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in catering and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous kitchens!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples of how you meet our requirements, especially around menu planning and dietary needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and it ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanders Senior Living
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to create a sample menu that showcases your culinary skills. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind each dish, including how you cater to special dietary needs. This will demonstrate your creativity and understanding of the residents' preferences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership style during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any successful initiatives you've implemented that improved team performance or resident satisfaction.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Sanders Senior Living and their approach to personalised care. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, especially regarding delivering high-quality, person-centred hospitality. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, budget management, and menu planning. Brush up on H.A.C.C.P. guidelines and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This will show that you are not only passionate about cooking but also knowledgeable about the operational side of running a kitchen.
