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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create high-end meals for residents in a luxurious care village.
- Company: Join Cinnamon, a top-rated care home group known for its exceptional work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and various company perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives through delicious, personalised dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 3 in Catering or equivalent, with supervisory experience and food safety knowledge.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and quality in every meal.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Up to £45,000 depending on experience, plus company benefits. Full Time Hours.
A Top 20 Care Home Group 2025! Awarded One Of The UK s Best Companies To Work For.
Emerson Park is a luxurious Care Village situated in Hextable, near Swanley. This stunning care village comprises 47 independent living apartments as well as an 85 bedded nursing, residential and dementia care home.
At Cinnamon we like to understand what our residents enjoy. That s why our chefs visit all residents when they move into their new home. Our chefs will establish likes and dislikes and ensure that the home s menu cycle works for them. On occasions when this doesn t work they are happy to cook something different. Our chefs cater for modified and individual diets and have support at hand to seek advice and guidance if needed. The standard of food that we require will be high-end, beautifully presented, using fresh ingredients and locally sourced where available. We insist that every meal time is a truly enjoyable experience for our residents.
Overseeing and managing a full kitchen team including a second chef and kitchen assistants, you will ensure that all kitchen services are efficient, and that the required Health and Safety measures are in place and adhered to within the department.
Additional requirements of this role include:
- Monitoring the performance of suppliers and regularly check that their prices remain competitive, ensuring that the General Manager is kept informed accordingly.
- Support cost-effective stock control systems and ensure these are in place to minimise waste.
- Maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and food storage areas at all times, in accordance with the appropriate food hygiene regulations.
- Ensure the management and implementation of safe working procedures and practices in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.
- Assist the General Manager in the resolution of any complaints concerning the catering service.
- Actively participate in events held in home, liaising with the General Manager and the Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinators to ensure nutrition and hydration needs are met, as well as social aspects of such events.
Person Specification: This role involves working within a team which is committed to providing an excellent food service to the residents, having appropriate supervisory experience and relevant qualifications pertaining to the safe delivery of Food and Hygiene or Catering Services.
Key Attributes:
- Level 3 in Catering or equivalent QCF qualification
- Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
- Team player, self-motivated, proactive, flexible and adaptable
- Ability to organize and prioritise workload, and work under pressure
- Ability to communicate and manage interpersonal relationships, including influencing skills
- Reasonable access outside working hours in emergency situations
Head Chef employer: The Cinnamon Care Collection
Contact Detail:
The Cinnamon Care Collection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of residents in care homes. Understanding how to cater for modified diets and individual tastes will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the residents' dining experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing your experience in managing kitchen teams. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that improved kitchen efficiency or enhanced food quality, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the latest trends in high-end catering and presentation techniques. Being able to discuss innovative ideas for menu development and food presentation during your interview can demonstrate your commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Be ready to provide examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous roles, as maintaining hygiene and safety standards is a top priority for us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and kitchen management. Emphasise any supervisory roles you've held and your qualifications, such as Level 3 in Catering or equivalent.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing high-quality food services in a care environment. Mention your understanding of the importance of catering to individual dietary needs and how you can enhance residents' dining experiences.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight specific skills that align with the job description, such as your knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, stock control systems, and your ability to manage a kitchen team effectively.
Demonstrate Your Commitment: Convey your dedication to maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented safe working procedures in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cinnamon Care Collection
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your love for cooking and how it translates into creating enjoyable dining experiences for residents. Share specific examples of dishes you've created that cater to individual dietary needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team. Highlight your previous experience in leading kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and ensuring a collaborative environment. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and inspire your team.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in a care home setting, be prepared to discuss your understanding of food hygiene regulations and how you implement them in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complaints or dietary restrictions. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed similar situations in the past, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
