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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, seasonal meals for residents.
- Company: Join B&M Care, a compassionate team dedicated to providing quality care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate of £16.20 to £16.55 per hour and full-time hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or higher.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment that values teamwork and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 33600 - 34800 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head Cook to prepare meals that are nourishing and well presented. Creating seasonal menus based on the input of the residents, families and management, taking into consideration dietary requirements and ensuring the kitchen is clean and up to all regulations.
Rate of Pay: £16.20 to £16.55 per hour
Contract Type: Full time
Contract Hours: 40 Hours
Location: Caversham - St Lukes
Working in care can be challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding jobs that you can do. When you join the B&M Care family, our 'whole home approach' ensures that you will be supported as part of a caring, compassionate team.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- To compile seasonal menus with the input of the residents, families and the Home Manager that are varied, and consist of meals that will be suitable for the residents taking into account backgrounds, culture and dietary requirements.
- To be responsible for the delivery of excellence in relation to meal times and dining room/mealtime experience and presentation.
- Ensure the cleanliness and hygienic appearance of the kitchen.
- To also be accountable for food standards and meeting health & safety regulations.
- Ensuring that all practices are of a high standard and are monitored.
- Ensure effective finance controls - adhering to budgets set out by the company.
- Manage and develop your kitchen team, to include supervisions, appraisals as well as inducting new members of the team.
Essential Skills, Characteristics and Experience:
- Must hold a Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or above.
Head Cook employer: St Lukes
Contact Detail:
St Lukes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and preferences of the residents. Understanding their needs will not only help you create appealing menus but also demonstrate your commitment to providing personalised care.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to manage a kitchen team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed team members in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head Cook position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Being able to discuss how you maintain high standards in the kitchen will reassure us that you can uphold our commitment to cleanliness and safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to talk about your experience with budgeting and financial controls in the kitchen. We value candidates who can manage costs while still delivering high-quality meals, so be ready to share relevant examples.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, especially any roles where you managed a team or created menus. Include specific examples of how you've catered to dietary requirements and maintained high standards of cleanliness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and caring for residents. Mention your understanding of dietary needs and how you plan to create seasonal menus that reflect the preferences of the residents and their families.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: Clearly state your Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or above in your application. If you have any additional qualifications or training related to food safety or nutrition, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a kitchen team, emphasise your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've supervised staff, conducted appraisals, or trained new team members in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Lukes
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Be prepared to discuss your experience in creating seasonal menus. Highlight any specific dishes you've developed that cater to dietary requirements and preferences, as this will demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of residents.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Since a Food Hygiene Certificate is essential for this role, make sure to mention your qualifications and any relevant training. Discuss how you ensure cleanliness and compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Cook, you'll be managing a team. Share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, including how you handle appraisals and support new team members during their induction.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as accommodating a resident's dietary restrictions or resolving conflicts within the kitchen team. Think through your responses in advance to show your problem-solving skills.
