At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create exceptional meals for residents with care needs.
- Company: Vane Hill Care Home, a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension, free parking, uniform, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by providing nutritious meals in a caring setting.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualifications and leadership experience in a kitchen are essential.
- Other info: Join a family-owned company that values trust, respect, and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 36000 £ per year.
Vane Hill, a pair of grand Victorian houses overlooking the harbour in Torquay, offers breathtaking views across Torbay. This tranquil hilltop home provides specialist support for individuals with mental health conditions, including Korsakoff’s syndrome and Alcohol-Related Brain Damage, fostering independence for up to 32 residents.
We are looking for a Head Chef with a passion for creating exceptional meals and leading a kitchen with precision and care. You will ensure our residents enjoy nutritious, high-quality meals every day while managing and inspiring your kitchen team.
What We Offer- £13.85 per hour
- Contracted to 45 hours per week (08:30 – 17:30 with 30-minute break, alternate weekends)
- Pension
- Free onsite parking
- Uniform provided
- 5.6 weeks annual leave (based on a full-time contract)
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for preparing, cooking, and serving both hot and cold meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of our residents. You will work closely with the Group Executive Chef and Home Manager to plan and cost menus, ensuring meals are nutritious, well balanced, and make optimal use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. You will lead and supervise kitchen staff, providing guidance on food preparation, hygiene, and the safe use of equipment, while also training care staff involved in food handling. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, health and safety, and food hygiene will be central to your role, alongside overseeing stock rotation, monitoring supplies, and managing kitchen resources efficiently. You will also assist with staff scheduling, participate in recruitment, and support the development of a motivated and cohesive kitchen team.
What We’re Looking ForYou should hold relevant culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706 Parts 1 & 2 or equivalent, achieved or working towards) and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Leadership experience in a kitchen environment, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while inspiring a team are essential. Experience in preparing food for specialised dietary needs and a care environment is advantageous but not required.
About UsVane Hill is part of Care Concern Group, a family-owned, market-leading care provider with over 130 homes across the UK. We are committed to delivering outstanding care and creating supportive workplaces where our teams can grow and flourish. Our five core values – Trust, Respect, Passion, Kindness, Inclusivity – guide everything we do. If you share these values and want to make a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Torquay employer: Vane Hill Care Home
Contact Detail:
Vane Hill Care Home Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and connect with people in the hospitality industry. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it fresh! Stay updated on food trends and dietary needs, especially in care environments. Being knowledgeable about current culinary practices will make you a standout candidate for the Head Chef role at Vane Hill.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for creating exceptional meals shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've crafted or experiences that highlight your culinary skills and passion for food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and managed kitchen staff in the past, and how you can bring that same energy to our team.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Take a moment to research Vane Hill and our values. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with our mission of providing outstanding care and fostering independence for our residents.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vane Hill Care Home
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of the residents. Be ready to discuss how you would create nutritious, high-quality meals that cater to these requirements. This shows your passion for food and care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and train staff, as well as how you maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
✨Menu Planning Mastery
Be prepared to talk about your experience with menu planning and costing. Discuss how you would use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced meals, and be ready to suggest a few menu ideas that align with the home's values.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Align your personal values with those of Vane Hill. Talk about how trust, respect, passion, kindness, and inclusivity play a role in your cooking and leadership style. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you're a great fit for their team.