At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and manage kitchen operations in a care home setting.
- Company: Join Somerset Care, an award-winning not-for-profit provider making a difference in the South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay access, discounts, training opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact through food while working in a supportive and caring environment.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 2 QCF in catering and experience as a Head Chef in a care home.
- Other info: Full-time role with shifts from 7am to 5pm; competitive pay rates available.
Are you passionate about creating delicious, nutritious meals while making a meaningful impact on people's lives? Join our team at Lavender Court and bring joy through food every day!
Somerset Care is an award-winning not-for-profit provider of care across the South West. Lavender Court is recruiting for an experienced Head Chef who has a minimum of Level 2 QCF qualification in catering and demonstrable experience in working as a Head Chef within a Care Home.
FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE - 39 HOURS PER WEEK! Shifts: 7am - 5pm
Everything we do at Somerset Care is underpinned by our four core values: Connecting with people, Making a difference, Doing the right thing and Embracing change.
We really care about our staff and offer a range of excellent benefits:
- Full company induction, ongoing training to gain NVQ & Care qualifications plus the opportunity to start an Apprenticeship
- Enhanced pay for nights, weekends and bank holidays
- We have partnered with Wagestream so you can access your earned wages before payday
- Blue Light Card provides access to more than 15,000 discounts from large national retailers to local businesses!
- Reward and recognition Bright Sparks, Somerset Care Group Awards, Long Service Awards
- Refer a Friend Bonus £350 per person you refer (Uncapped and paid on successful appointment)
- Wellbeing support available, covering a wide range of support services and events.
Pay Rate is £14.18 per hour, with a higher rate on weekends of £15.18 per hour.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide a high standard or varied menus, reflecting individual dietary requirements, and ensuring nutritional value is monitored.
- To manage and order food stock.
- To maintain a clean and safe kitchen to a high standard.
- To work with the kitchen assistant in the preparation and serving of food.
Somerset Care Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Head Chef (Residential) employer: Somerset Care
Contact Detail:
Somerset Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Residential)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Somerset Care's core values: Connecting with people, Making a difference, Doing the right thing, and Embracing change. During your interview, demonstrate how your culinary skills and experiences align with these values to show that you're a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in catering for dietary requirements, as this is crucial in a care home setting. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've created varied menus that cater to individual needs, showcasing your creativity and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Somerset Care if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process and stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your management style and how you lead a kitchen team. Emphasise your ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety, as well as your experience in managing food stock effectively, which are key responsibilities for the Head Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Residential)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef, particularly in a care home setting. Emphasise your Level 2 QCF qualification in catering and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to create nutritious meals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and how it impacts people's lives. Mention your alignment with Somerset Care's core values and provide examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Showcase Your Menu Planning Skills: In your application, include examples of varied menus you have created that cater to individual dietary requirements. This will demonstrate your ability to manage food stock while ensuring nutritional value.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with kitchen assistants and other staff members. Emphasising teamwork will show that you can maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment while fostering a positive work atmosphere.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Care
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating delicious and nutritious meals. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact on people's lives through your cooking, especially in a care home setting.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Discuss your previous roles as a Head Chef, particularly in care homes. Be prepared to talk about your Level 2 QCF qualification and any relevant training or certifications that demonstrate your expertise in catering.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Dietary Needs
Be ready to discuss how you cater to individual dietary requirements and ensure nutritional value in your menus. Providing examples of how you've successfully managed varied menus will show your capability in this area.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team. Talk about your experience managing kitchen staff and working collaboratively with kitchen assistants. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that improved kitchen operations.