At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious menus and cook fresh, seasonal meals for our residents.
- Company: Join a caring team at a leading not-for-profit care home.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, competitive pay, and discounts on shopping and dining.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through nutritious and tasty meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15.26 - 15.26 £ per hour.
Location: South Cerney, Cirencester, GL7 5TL
Pay Rate: £15.26 per Hour (NVQ & Weekend Enhancements Available)
Contracted hours: Bank Hours
Shift Pattern: 7:00am-5:00pm or 8:00am-6:00pm (Working Alternate Weekends)
Are you an experienced chef, used to catering for large groups of people, looking to design your own menus, cooking with fresh seasonal food? Are you looking for your next challenge without split shifts and anti-social hours? Would you like full autonomy over menu development, with the opportunity to cook nutritious, high quality, flavoursome and well-balanced meals that our residents will love?
Working as a Chef in our homes, you’ll oversee all aspects of our kitchen and catering services including management of a small team, ensuring the highest standards of nutrition, hygiene and safety at all times. You may occasionally be asked to cater for meals for other day centres, luncheon clubs and community activities and some weekend work will be required.
Nutrition is an important element of the care package that we provide. You’ll be actively involved in the nutritional needs of our residents to ensure that a high-quality dining experience is received by everyone. You’ll build relationships with our residents and their families so that you understand and can accommodate their personal preferences. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes.
The Lakes is a 64 bed Care Home situated in South Cerney, Cirencester. The home offers Day, Respite, Residential and Dementia care in a comfortable, homely setting.
AND IN RETURN
The Trust is a great place to work; we’ve been providing care for almost 1 years and we’re currently the second largest not-for-profit provider in the UK. Not-for-profit means that we reinvest every penny we make into our residents, colleagues and the care homes we live and work in. Therefore, we offer a great range of benefits, including a competitive salary, training and development. Alongside keeping our colleagues safe with PPE and daily testing.
Here are some of the other benefits you’ll enjoy as a valued member of our team:
- 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- A Company pension
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Higher rates of pay at weekends
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £ for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us
- Blue Light Card and "My Rewards" programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more
ABOUT YOU
You’ll need to have previous experience of working in a professional kitchen, providing meals for large numbers, with knowledge of menu planning for specialist diets. Ideally you will hold, or be working towards, a Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership or equivalent but this is not essential. You’ll have experience of leading, motivating and inspiring a team and be confident in engaging with our elderly residents to understand their individual needs. You’ll know how to manage your budget and stock effectively.
Chef employer: The Lakes Care Centre
The Lakes Care Centre in Cirencester is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where compassion and care are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee development through comprehensive training and growth opportunities, we ensure our Care Assistants feel valued and supported. Our not-for-profit ethos, combined with generous benefits such as 28 days holiday and a workplace pension, makes us a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Lakes Care Centre. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Lakes Care Centre
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Lakes Care Centre directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Lakes Care Centre and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Lakes Care Centre
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
