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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for our elderly residents.
- Company: Join Westgate Healthcare, where compassion and care are at the heart of what we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to exclusive discounts and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and a passion for nutrition and care.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Chestnut Manor Care Home, 63 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London, E11 2PR
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum. Dependent on experience and qualifications
Hours: 40 hours per week
Shifts: 7:00am to 5:30pm, shifts across Monday to Sunday, working 4 days over 7
Job type: Permanent
We are seeking a passionate and compassionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced chef who wants to use their skills to positively impact the lives of our elderly residents. At Westgate Healthcare, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for someone with a can-do attitude who will treat residents with dignity, care and respect while delivering nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to individual needs.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen, ensuring residents receive meals that are both enjoyable and nutritionally balanced. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing, leading and developing the kitchen team
- Preparing high-quality hot and cold meals in line with residents’ dietary needs and preferences
- Planning and delivering seasonal menus in collaboration with the Catering and Hospitality Manager
- Managing budgets, stock control and supplier orders
- Completing regular audits and maintaining accurate records
- Ensuring the kitchen and storage areas are kept clean, safe and hygienic at all times
- Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety and regulatory requirements
- Carrying out daily kitchen checks, including temperature records and equipment monitoring
- Reporting accidents and incidents in line with company procedures
- Maintaining a full working knowledge of fire safety procedures and infection prevention and control policies
- Carrying out any reasonable duties as requested by the Catering and Hospitality Manager or Home Manager
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- The right to live and work in the UK
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef in a similar setting (e.g. care home, school or healthcare environment)
- Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (or above)
- A good understanding of the nutritional needs of older people
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements
- A positive, flexible and professional approach to work
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
Why work at Westgate?
We value our colleagues and offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Wagestream – access your wages before payday and enjoy exclusive retail discounts
- Blue Light Card – access to national discounts
- Additional discount schemes including Byond Prepayment Card, Extras Discounts and Cycle to Work Scheme
- Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £500 for a successful referral
- Employee recognition programmes, including Employee of the Month and Long Service awards
- Team-building and social events
- Support to achieve additional qualifications, including nationally recognised awards
- Access to financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity
- Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Head Chef in Ilford employer: Westgate Healthcare
Contact Detail:
Westgate Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to care homes or healthcare settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it with potential employers during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary flair and passion for creating nutritious meals for residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style. As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so think about examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. We want to see that can-do attitude in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us at Westgate Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for others shine through. We want to see how your love for food can positively impact our residents' lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Head Chef or in similar settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique needs of our elderly residents, so be specific about your past roles.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality come through! We value a positive and flexible attitude, so feel free to express how you embody these traits in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westgate Healthcare
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various dietary needs and preferences, especially for elderly residents. Prepare to discuss how you would create nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to individual requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a positive team environment and ensure everyone works together efficiently.
✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations relevant to the care home setting. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain a safe kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Care
Westgate Healthcare values compassion and care. During the interview, express your passion for making a difference in the lives of residents. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to providing excellent service and creating enjoyable dining experiences.
