Head Chef / Kitchen Manager

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 plan and prepare home cooked meals, but also lead the kitchen team in delivering high quality food and an engaging dining experience for our residents. You will be part of the wider team and be involved in enhancing the resident’s lives. There are 60 residents in both a residential and nursing environments.

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This role is all about developing high quality through menu planning, leading the kitchen team, getting to know the residents (their likes and dietary needs) and 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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Working Pattern: Working to a Rota which includes alternate weekends

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Duties

• Use fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible to develop interesting and varied menu plans, snacks and cakes to 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.
• Management of the Kitchen Team
• Completion of the required documentation using in-house IT systems.
• 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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Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria

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Personal Qualities

• Warm, friendly, and approachable personality
• Positive attitude with a passion for providing high-quality meals
• Genuine interest in supporting elderly residents’ wellbeing through food
• Reliable and committed to high standards of cleanliness and care
• Creative and enthusiastic about developing new recipes and themed dining experiences
• Keen to engage with residents and understand their likes and preferences

‍Knowledge

• Holds a Level 3 in Food Hygiene
• Good understanding of food safety standards and HACCP requirements
• Knowledge of using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
• Awareness of special dietary needs for older adults, including allergens and texture-modified diets, or willingness to train
• Familiarity with IDDSI guidelines and Focus on Undernutrition principles
• Up-to-date with best practices in elderly nutrition

Abilities / Skills

• Ability to plan, prepare, and present varied, nutritious menus
• Skilled in managing kitchen stock, ordering, and cost control
• Capable of leading, supervising, and motivating a small kitchen team
• Ability to work collaboratively with care and wellbeing teams to plan themed meals and events
• Basic IT skills for completing kitchen records and documentation
• Ability to elevate the dining experience through presentation and service
• Experience organising special meals and events in collaboration with activity teams

Experience

• Experience working as a Cook or Kitchen Manager in a care home, healthcare, or busy catering environment
• Proven experience in adapting meals for specific dietary needs
• Experience maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen and dining environment
• Previous experience in mentoring or training kitchen staff
• Previous experience working with electronic kitchen or care planning systems
• Background in training or coaching hospitality or kitchen teams
• Experience in auditing or compliance with Environmental Health inspections

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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.

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