Head Chef - Eastridge Manor

South Coast Nursing Homes is a family-owned provider of care across East and West Sussex. Each of the 9 registered homes offers the highest standards of resident care and comfort, 24 hours – day and night. Here at South Coast Nursing Homes, we cultivate an environment for personal and career growth within our own company. We are growing and always on the lookout for the best talent across the care sector. If you’re passionate about care, hungry to deliver and want to be part of a flourishing company – we want to hear from you.

The Head Chef of Eastridge Manor must be able to implement the standards set by the Company Chef, always looking to drive the food offering forwards, delivering and preparing meals fresh from scratch, providing a real wow factor to mealtimes. This will also include the physical environment such as table settings, cleanliness and hygiene. Further responsibilities will include sensible planning and buying of ingredients; monthly kitchen audits; training the team in the correct use and maintenance of equipment; meeting with kitchen assistants to engage them in the required standards and overall vision; reporting major issues and solutions through to the Company Chef, as and when necessary to elevate.

Job Responsibilities:

• To lead a team of a Chef and Kitchen Assistants in the implementation of consistently inspirational food choices.
• To maintain the standards set by the Company Chef – food choice/quality; table settings; hygiene in the kitchens and wider dining environments; staff appearance and behaviour; training and development; safe use of equipment.
• To manage the hygiene, cleaning and safety of all the catering facilities – including the reporting of equipment failures.
• Correct maintenance of equipment is paramount to preventing issues (descaling, degreasing) and must be monitored on a daily basis.
• To adhere to the requirements of essential record keeping as dictated by the Head of Catering to ensure compliance with the law – HACCP; temperature checks; kitchen audits.
• To work with the Home Manager and the Company Chef to conduct the performance annual reviews for the kitchen team.

Hours: 40hrs per week, must be able to work alternate weekends.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Level 2 Chef (Professional Cooking) minimum requirement for this role.
• Experience in a busy catering environment.
• Practical knowledge of IDDSI.
• A Food Hygiene Level 2/3 qualification, or greater.
• A passion for food.
• Nursing home experience is beneficial.

Access to your pay as you earn it, contributory company pension scheme, health shield employee assistance program, and full uniform provided.

Here at South Coast Nursing Homes, we value diversity and are committed to a culture of inclusivity, respect, and equality. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.