At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious meals for residents with diverse dietary needs.
- Company: Join TLC Care, a compassionate provider of quality nursing and residential care.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a warm, welcoming team that values truth, love, and compassion.
- Why this job: Combine your culinary passion with meaningful work that enriches lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in a supervisory role and relevant culinary qualifications are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At TLC Care, our focus is quality of life and our approach to specialised nursing, residential and dementia care is, we believe, second to none, with dedicated highly-trained carers and nurses on hand 24 hours a day to provide assistance to meet the needs and wishes of each individual resident. TLC Care have care homes across London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Surrey.
TLC Care have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to support the first class food service at their care home. We are looking for a candidate who has a passion for cooking to join our award winning team where you will have the opportunity to expand your culinary skills. The main purpose of the Head Chef's role is to organise and control the efficient and economic production of quality food within the budget, whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with EHO regulations.
Food preparation will be expected to be of a very high standard and will include:
- Preparing, cooking and serving hot and cold meals, as and when required.
- Providing for special dietary requirements and taking into account the preferences of individual residents, which will include preparing Kosher, Halal, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Responsibilities
- Recruitment of kitchen team members
- Auditing & ensuring the kitchen adheres to EHO Regulations
- Follows the IDDSI framework and ensuring all dietary requirements are met
- Good Leadership skills
- Timely production of a 4 week kitchen rota
- Assist with training of the kitchen team
- Development of menus using sustainable produce
- Placing orders
- Monthly stock take
- Monitor and control food cost within budgeted guidelines
- Oversee the food safety management system
At TLC we believe that our people are at the heart of all we do, and we provide a warm, open and welcoming culture in which you will have the opportunity to learn, develop and grow whilst enriching the lives of others. We offer amazing career progression opportunities across all of our departments and believe in a one team approach where we share and celebrate our team successes, working in line always with our core values of Truth, Love and Compassion. If you are committed to providing outstanding care with warmth, kindness and empathy then do take the opportunity to apply for a role and join our TLC Family.
Requirements
- City & Guilds Level 1 & 2, or equivalent (achieved or working towards)
- Basic Food / Hygiene Certificate
- Previous supervisor experience
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Team player
Head Chef employer: TLC Care
At TLC Care, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing and supportive environment where our employees can thrive. As a Head Chef, you will not only have the chance to showcase your culinary talents but also benefit from our commitment to professional development and career progression within a compassionate team that values Truth, Love, and Compassion. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while enjoying a warm and welcoming workplace culture across our care homes in London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head 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 TLC Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to TLC Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to TLC Care 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 Head 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 TLC Care 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 TLC Care
✨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!
