Care Home Chef - Hertfordshire

Location: Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4DT

Salary: £33,280 per annum (£16.00 per hour)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reporting to: Chef Manager / Home Manager

Our Vision
To provide exceptional catering services that enhance the wellbeing, comfort and quality of life of every resident through freshly prepared, nutritious meals and outstanding customer service.

Our Purpose
At Enhance Catering, we believe that every meal matters. We are committed to delivering high-quality dining experiences that support health, dignity and independence while creating enjoyable mealtimes for residents, their families and visitors.

Role Purpose
The Chef plays a key role in delivering a high-quality catering service within our client's establishment. Working under the direction of the Chef Manager, you will prepare fresh, nutritious meals, maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and ensure an excellent dining experience for residents. In the absence of the Chef Manager, you will confidently oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen and support the wider catering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Service
  Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals in accordance with agreed menus and company standards. Deliver breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks to residents in a timely and professional manner. Produce meals that meet individual dietary, cultural, religious and medical requirements. Prepare homemade cakes, desserts and baked goods where required. Support hospitality events, celebrations and private dining requests. Minimise food waste through effective planning and portion control.
• Kitchen Operations
  Support the Chef Manager in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Take responsibility for the kitchen during periods of Chef Manager absence. Complete daily, weekly and monthly food safety and due diligence records. Order food and kitchen supplies from approved suppliers when required. Ensure stock is rotated correctly and stored safely. Report maintenance issues or faulty equipment promptly. Ensure all kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained correctly.
• Food Safety & Compliance
  Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen. Ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP, COSHH and company procedures. Monitor food temperatures and maintain accurate records. Ensure allergen information is correctly managed and communicated. Follow all Health & Safety procedures and safe systems of work. Wear the required uniform and maintain excellent personal hygiene standards at all times.
• Resident Wellbeing
  Support residents' health and wellbeing through nutritious, well-balanced meals. Respect residents' dignity, preferences and independence. Monitor residents during meal service and report any concerns to the appropriate member of staff. Contribute positively to residents' overall dining experience.
• Teamwork & Communication
  Build positive relationships with residents, families and colleagues. Work collaboratively with the care team to meet residents' nutritional needs. Support Kitchen Assistants and catering colleagues where required. Attend team meetings and mandatory training sessions. Carry out all reasonable instructions professionally and efficiently.
• Health, Safety & Security
  Work safely and responsibly at all times. Follow manual handling, COSHH, fire safety and emergency procedures. Ensure kitchen areas remain clean, organised and safe. Report accidents, incidents or hazards promptly. Safely store food, equipment and cleaning materials.
• Personal Development
  Complete all mandatory training. Participate in ongoing professional development. Keep up to date with food safety legislation and catering best practice. Contribute ideas that improve the quality and efficiency of the catering service.

Person Specification

• Skills & Knowledge
  Good cooking skills with a passion for preparing fresh food. Understanding of food hygiene, food safety and allergen management. Knowledge of COSHH and Health & Safety procedures. Ability to work effectively within a busy kitchen environment. Good communication and teamwork skills. Understanding of person-centred care and the nutritional needs of older people. Ability to follow instructions while using initiative when required.
• Experience
  Essential
  Previous experience working as a Chef or Cook within a commercial, hospitality, healthcare or care home environment. Experience preparing fresh meals in a professional kitchen. Good understanding of food safety procedures.
  Desirable
  Experience working within a care home or healthcare setting. Experience covering supervisory responsibilities. Experience with stock ordering and kitchen compliance documentation.
• Qualifications
  Essential
  Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
  Desirable
  NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent). Level 3 Food Safety Qualification.
• Personal Attributes
  The successful candidate will demonstrate: A genuine passion for cooking and quality food. Compassion and respect for older people. Professionalism and reliability. Excellent attention to detail. A positive, flexible attitude. Strong organisational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Commitment to maintaining high standards. A proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Our Values
At Enhance Catering, we are committed to: Delivering exceptional food and service. Treating everyone with dignity and respect. Working together as one team. Maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety. Encouraging continuous improvement and innovation. Creating enjoyable dining experiences that positively impact residents' daily lives. Every meal is an opportunity to make a difference.