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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals that bring joy to our residents.
- Company: Willowbrook Care Home, a family-owned care provider with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: £12.50 per hour, pension scheme, paid DBS, uniform, and 5.6 weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of residents through your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent, Basic Food Hygiene Certificate preferred.
- Other info: Join a team that values trust, respect, passion, kindness, and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Willowbrook Care Home provides specialist support for up to 75 residents living with dementia and mental health conditions. Our goal is to create a homely environment where every resident feels safe, valued, and cared for – and food plays a big part in that. We are looking for a skilled and passionate Chef to join our team. This is a rewarding role where you will prepare high-quality, well-balanced meals that bring comfort and joy to those we care for every day.
What We Offer
- £12.50 per hour
- Contracted to 40.25 hours per week
- Pension scheme, Paid DBS, Uniform provided
- 5.6 weeks annual leave (based on a full-time contract)
What You Will Do
As Chef, you will prepare, cook, and serve nutritious hot and cold meals that cater to the dietary needs and preferences of our residents. You will work with the Head Chef to plan seasonal menus, ensuring variety and balance while staying within budget. You will manage stock rotation, check deliveries, and maintain accurate records of food supplies, fridge and freezer temperatures. Keeping the kitchen and dining areas spotless will be a key part of your role, as will following all food safety and Health & Safety regulations. When required, you will take the lead in the kitchen to ensure meals are delivered on time and to a high standard.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone with City & Guilds 706 / 1 & 2 or equivalent qualification (achieved or working towards) and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Experience in a care home setting is desirable but not essential – what matters most is a passion for cooking, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to work well as part of a team. You should have excellent communication skills and be comfortable taking initiative to keep kitchen operations running smoothly.
About Us
Willowbrook Care Home is part of Care Concern Group, a family-owned, market-leading care provider with over 100 homes across the United Kingdom. We are committed to delivering outstanding care in specialist settings and creating supportive workplaces where our teams can grow and flourish. Our five core values – Trust, Respect, Passion, Kindness, Inclusivity – define everything we do. If you share these values and want to bring your skills to a role where you are truly appreciated, we would love to hear from you.
Chef in Birmingham employer: Willowbrook Care Home
Contact Detail:
Willowbrook Care Home Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the care home vibe! Visit Willowbrook Care Home if you can, chat with staff and residents, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of meals you've prepared. If you can, offer to whip up a quick dish during your interview to demonstrate your passion and expertise in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! During your interview, ask questions about their menu planning and how they cater to residents' dietary needs. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but that you want to contribute to their mission of providing comfort through food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about joining the Willowbrook family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or moments that highlight why you’re passionate about preparing meals, especially in a care home setting.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications like your City & Guilds certification and any experience you have in catering or hospitality.
Be Clear About Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills! Mention your ability to manage stock, follow food safety regulations, and work as part of a team. We want to know how you can contribute to our kitchen!
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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willowbrook Care Home
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of residents in a care home setting. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced meals that cater to these needs, showcasing your passion for cooking and understanding of nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience in a care home, think about relevant experiences from other kitchens. Prepare examples of how you've worked as part of a team, managed stock, or maintained high standards in food safety and hygiene.
✨Menu Planning Skills
Be prepared to talk about your approach to menu planning. Discuss how you would ensure variety and balance while staying within budget, and maybe even suggest a few seasonal dishes that could delight the residents.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Highlight your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively in a busy kitchen environment. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles to keep operations running smoothly, which is crucial in a care home setting.
