Care Home Chef

HEREWARDS HOUSE LTD; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Annual leave

Company pension

Training opportunities

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Herewards House in Maidenhead is seeking a Care Home Chef to oversee and deliver food provision for up to 25 residents. The role runs 35 hours weekly, across 5 days, with shifts 7am–2:30pm.

You will plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals while managing budgets and ensuring SFBB/HSE/H&S compliance. Ideal candidates have proven chef experience, IDDSI knowledge, food safety and nutrition expertise, NVQ2 in cooking and a willingness to complete level 3.

Qualifications

• Proven chef experience, preferably in care settings.
• IDDSI knowledge is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation and nutrition.
• Qualified in cooking to NVQ level 2, willing to complete level 3.
• COSHH and HACCP awareness.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook high-quality home cooked meals for residents.
• Meet nutritional and dietary requirements and accommodate allergies.
• Oversee menus, maintain mealtime service quality and information for residents/relatives.
• Ensure cleanliness and hygiene under SFBB, HSE and H&S guidelines.
• Manage inventory, provide weekly grocery lists to order stock.
• Maintain fresh ingredients and proper storage; complete shift admin tasks.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report repairs; assist with audits.

Skills

Food safety

Nutrition knowledge

Communication

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in cooking

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

We are looking for a Care Home Chef to oversee and deliver food provision within a residential care home, Herewards House, in Maidenhead. To provide expertise in delivering high quality, nutritious food to up to 25 residents, whilst also ensuring budgets are adhered to, that H&S / HSE guidance is followed meticulously, and that the kitchen is stocked and cleaned appropriately.

This is a full-time position at 35 hours per week, 5 days a week. You must be flexible to work Monday - Sunday. You will be expected to be flexible to work around the holidays such as Christmas Day, Easter etc.

Shift: 7am - 2:30pm

Pay: £14 per hour

Main Responsibilities

• You'll be planning, preparing and cooking a variety of high-quality home cooked meals with fresh ingredients that meet the nutritional and dietary requirements of our residents.
• Cater to individual preferences, choices and specific needs, such as allergies, soft/pureed diets, low fat diets etc.
• Ensure that any residents that have dietary intolerances or allergies are dealt with properly and safely, to the best of the kitchen’s ability to do so.
• Develop new diverse dishes and oversee menus in line with the needs of the residents and care home.
• Ensure that the care home’s mealtime services are smoothly executed, that there is sufficient information available to residents and relatives about food being served and nutritional values, etc.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen by completing daily, weekly and monthly cleaning to a high standard.
• Collaborate with the care team to ensure meal times and menu choices are enjoyable and fulfilling.
• Ensure adherence to the home’s compliance with SFBB, HSE and H&S considerations.
• Manage the inventory, and provide weekly grocery lists to the manager to order stock as needed.
• Ensuring that all ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
• Complete admin work timely at the end of each shift including fridge/freezer temperature check, cleaning schedule, food temperature check, SFBB checks
• Oversee the maintenance of kitchen equipment and report repairs when needed.
• Ensure that action plans relating to monthly kitchen audits are carried out as appropriate.
• Attend mandatory annual trainings including safeguarding, food hygiene, fire safety, moving and handling, infection control, first aid, data protection and any other relevant additional trainings.

About you

• Proven experience as a chef, ideally in a care home or similar environment.
• IDDSI knowledge is advantageous
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices and nutrition
• Strong culinary skills with an understanding of various cooking methods and techniques.
• A recognised and appropriate qualification in food preparation/cooking, at least to NVQ level 2 & willingness to complete level 3.
• Basic certificate in Food hygiene.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety COSHH & HACCP regulations
• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
• Strong communication skills, ensuring clear interaction with team members, management and residents.
• Organised, clean and tidy
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast paced environment.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods
• Flexibility to work weekdays and weekends

What we offer:

• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Free parking
• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.
• A caring and compassionate team dedicated to excellence in care.

If this sounds like you and you’re looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact in the lives of others, this rewarding career is for you.