At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and design your own menus for our residents.
- Company: Join a caring team at Spencer Court Care Home, part of a leading not-for-profit trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, competitive pay, free uniform, and discounts on shopping and activities.
- Other info: Work in a friendly atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for cooking for large groups.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Spencer Court Care Home, Woodstock, OX20 1JG
Pay rate: £16.49 per hour (weekend and NVQ enhancements available)
Contracted hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shift times: 7am - 2pm working alternate weekends
ABOUT THE ROLE
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.
Spencer Court is situated a stone's throw from historic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, in the charming town of Woodstock. The home offers high-quality and compassionate residential and early-stage dementia care for up to 46 residents in a calm, friendly and comfortable surroundings.
AND IN RETURN
The Trust is a great place to work; we’ve been providing care for almost 1,000 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. 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 £1000 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. If you think you have the right skills and attitude we’re looking for as a chef within our care homes, then you could be the next to join us. So, apply and get your career started with us today.
Chef in Woodstock employer: The Orders of St John Care Trust
At Spencer Court Care Home, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of our residents. With competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered. Located in the picturesque town of Woodstock, just moments from the historic Blenheim Palace, you'll enjoy a fulfilling career in a warm and friendly atmosphere, surrounded by colleagues who share your passion for quality care.
Contact Details:
The Orders of St John Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Woodstock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups on social media, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu designs. Bring it along to interviews or share it online to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to care homes or restaurants you admire. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing that dream chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Woodstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in catering for large groups and any creative menu ideas you have. We want to see how you can bring fresh, seasonal food to life in our kitchens!
Connect with Our Values:Let us know why you're passionate about providing high-quality meals for our residents. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to nutrition and care, as this is super important to us at Spencer Court.
Team Spirit Matters:Since you'll be managing a small team, mention any leadership experience you have. We love seeing how you inspire and motivate others, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our family at Spencer Court!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Orders of St John Care Trust
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to think about the types of menus you would create for the residents. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how you would cater to different dietary needs. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a chef, you'll be managing a small team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and inspired your team in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see that you can create a positive kitchen environment.
✨Engage with the Residents' Needs
Highlight your experience in engaging with elderly residents and understanding their individual preferences. Share specific instances where you’ve adapted meals based on feedback or dietary requirements. This will show that you value the personal touch in your cooking.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing budgets and stock effectively. Brush up on your knowledge of cost control and inventory management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your ability to handle the kitchen's operational side.
