Head Chef

Are you passionate about cooking with creativity and making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our team as the Head Chef, where you’ll not only craft exciting, flavourful dishes but also lead the kitchen team in delivering a vibrant, engaging dining experience for our residents.

This role is all about innovation, leadership, and connection. You’ll have the freedom to experiment recipes, and tailor dishes to our residents' needs whilst making every mealtime something to look forward to. If you're creative, compassionate, and meticulous in running an efficient kitchen,then this role may be the perfect fit for you.

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The Role

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Job Type: Full time

Working Pattern:  Working to a Rota

Hourly Rate: £15 per hour

Qualification: Level 3 in Food Hygiene

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Role:

• Use fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible to develop interesting and varied menu plans, responding to residents’ dietary needs and cultural preferences whilst exploring new ways to serve high-quality food and enhance our residents dining experience.
• Elevate the presentation and atmosphere of dining areas and help to serve lunch in the dining room, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for residents.
• Work closely with the Lifestyles & Wellbeing team to create themed cooking events and special meals for residents.
• Enhance residents' wellbeing by continuously expanding your culinary expertise through relevant courses, such as IDDSI and Focus on Undernutrition, ensuring every meal supports their health, happiness, and overall quality of life.
• Stay updated on best practices in elderly nutrition and supervise, coach and mentor the Hospitality team on special dietary needs, and food safety standards.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and hygienic kitchen environment that not only meets Environmental Health and HACCP standards but also ensures every meal is prepared with care.

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About you:

• Previous experience in a care home, healthcare, or a fast-paced kitchen environment is beneficial, helping you to create meals that provide comfort, nutrition, and joy to our residents.
• A background in adapting menus, catering to dietary needs, and working in a team-oriented kitchen will be an advantage.
• Holds a Level 3 in Food Hygiene is (essential)
• Passion for creating meaningful dining experiences and an understanding of the importance of food in enhancing residents' wellbeing
• Possessing knowledge of special dietary requirements, particularly food for the elderly, and familiarity with IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) guidelines is advantageous.

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Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria

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Personal Qualities

• Warm and friendly
• Positive person with a fun outlook on life and full of smiles
• Genuine interest in working with the elderly
• Excellent communication skills

‍Knowledge

• Hold a Level 3 Food Hygeine Certificate
• Strong ability to create varied, high-quality meals that cater to residents' dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and Environmental Health regulations.
• Be able to demonstrate how to enable resident’s to live their best lives
• Willingness to keep learning

Abilities / Skills

• Ability to take responsibility to lead the shift
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, including the ability to supervise and mentor
• Ability to build and maintain positive, professional working relationships
• Ability to introduce innovative ways to improve meal quality and variety, keeping up with industry best practices.
• Computer literate

Experience

• Previous experience in menu planning, adapting meals to special dietary needs, and responding to resident preferences
• Experience in enhancing dining environments, including presentation and atmosphere

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Benefits

• Free Holiday: Enjoy stays at our Company Lodge in Devon, featuring a stunning three-bedroom lodge with a private patio and hot tub, nestled near beautiful beaches and local attractions.
• Work for Excellence: Join a successful, recognised small local company. With multiple wins in the Regional Great British Care Awards 2024 including being awarded‘Highly Commended’ for Care Employer of the Year.
• Comprehensive Training: Kick start your journey with a 3-day Face-to-Face Induction, as we develop a well-trained team committed to enhancing residents' daily lives. Be supported by our Training Manager who is also a nurse.
• Employee Support: Benefit from a range of employee perks,including free refreshments, subsidized meals, and Enhanced DBS.
• Health and Well-being: Access our Cash Back Health Care Scheme, offering reimbursements for dental, optical, and therapy treatments after one year of service.
• Wellness Services: Gain access to our Employee Assistance Services
• Financial Perks: Enjoy discounts and savings from over 600 retailers
• Convenience: Park for free on-site, making your commute hassle-free.
• Continuous Learning: Expand your skills and qualifications with opportunities for further development.

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To apply for this position, please fill out the form below.