At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create inspiring menus for our residents.
- Company: Join Signature Senior Lifestyle, a luxury care home with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £51,000, enjoy free meals, and receive generous annual leave.
- Other info: Ongoing training, career development, and a vibrant work environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Catering Services and supervisory experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 51000 £ per year.
Take charge of our superbly-equipped kitchen, and bring your passion, flair and experience to create amazing menus which inspire our team and delight our diners! Join Signature Senior Lifestyle as the Head Chef at our luxury care and nursing home in Kingston upon Thames.
What Signature Offer
- Up to £51,000 per annum
- Up to 30 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, depending on length of service
- Workplace pension
- Free meals on shift for staff working 6 hours
- Private medical insurance and company sick pay
- Life Assurance Scheme
- ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme eligible
- Refer A Friend Incentive £50 voucher and up to £1,000 cash bonus
- Staff recognition scheme – Purple Heart Award
- Ongoing career training and development
- Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health support and wellbeing services
- Plus cycle to work scheme, study support, long service awards and more
Transport Links
- Commuting - Norbiton nearest train station
- Walking - 25 minutes from nearest train station
- Driving - M25/A3 nearest motorway
Your Role at Signature
The Head Chef is the heart and soul of our kitchen, in charge of creating a menu that offers our residents an unrivalled dining experience. You’ll help create and evolve the food offering across all areas of our community to produce the highest standards, ensuring food is delicious, seasonal and cost-effective. You’ll be confident devising dishes for special dietary requirements, whatever the expectations of our diners, while meeting all their nutritional needs. You’ll also be leading a team, managing and developing a Sous Chef, Chefs de Partie and Commis Chefs, helping them to grow and develop.
What we’re looking for
We are kind and compassionate. Positive and resilient. Proactive and organised. Honest and accountable. Passionate and keen to develop. If this sounds like you, you’ll fit right in. You’re a confident leader, well versed in how to manage a busy kitchen, with NVQ Level 3 in Catering Services. Supervisory experience, awareness of COSHH, working knowledge of Health & Safety and a full, clean driving licence are a big advantage.
About Signature
Signature Senior Lifestyle offer unrivalled residential and dementia care in luxury homes. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and make a real difference to our residents’ lives. Our team is one of our biggest assets. We cultivate a supportive environment for our people, with tailored training and career development at all levels. Wake up to the passion inside you. Apply to Signature Senior Lifestyle today.
Head Chef - Kingston Upon Thames, London employer: Signature Senior Lifestyle
Signature Senior Lifestyle is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment where your culinary passion can flourish. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents in Kingston upon Thames. Join us and be part of a team that values kindness, resilience, and excellence in everything we do.
Contact Details:
Signature Senior Lifestyle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Kingston Upon Thames, London
✨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 Signature Senior Lifestyle. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Signature Senior Lifestyle
Don't be shy about reaching out to Signature Senior Lifestyle 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 Head Chef - Kingston Upon Thames, London
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 Signature Senior Lifestyle 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 Signature Senior Lifestyle
✨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!