Care Home Chef

Hamberley Care Management Limited; Twyford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Hamberley Care Homes is seeking a dedicated chef for Thames Wood House in Wargrave, Reading. You will support the head chef, plan and prepare meals, and cater to residents’ dietary needs. The role emphasises high standards of food safety, hygiene, and compassionate service in a luxury care setting.

The successful candidate will have NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, a Basic Food Hygiene certificate, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a chef, ideally in care or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in food preparation/cooking.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals that meet dietary requirements.
• Support head chef in planning and provision of high-quality meals.
• Cater to individual preferences and medical needs such as allergies or soft diets.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the care team to make mealtimes enjoyable.
• deputise for head chef during periods of absence while maintaining quality.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional and dietary requirements.

Skills

Empathy

Multi-tasking

Customer service

Meal planning

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation/Cooking

Food Hygiene Certificate (Basic)

Job description

As our chef, you'll play a vital role in preparing meals tailored to the dietary needs and preferences of our residents. Ensuring every dish is made with love, supporting the health and happiness of those we care for.

• You’ll be supporting the head chef in the planning and provision of high-quality meals that meet the nutritional and dietary requirements of our residents.
• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals that meet dietary requirements.
• Cater to individual preferences and specific medical needs, such as allergies or soft diets.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the care team to ensure meal times are enjoyable and fulfilling.
• To deputise for head chef during periods of absence and maintain high quality food offer at all times Proven experience as a chef, ideally in a care or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Committed to customer care and first-class service provision
• A recognised and appropriate qualification in food preparation/cooking, at least to NVQ level 2
• Basic certificate in Food hygiene.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety COSHH regulations
• Empathy and a desire to make a difference to the lives of our residents
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast-paced environment
• A competitive salary and benefits package
• 28 days holiday inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Quality-linked bonus scheme - A performance bonus tied to our CQC/CI quality rating, rewarding you for helping us deliver outstanding care.
• Workplace pension for your future security
• A true team culture - A collaborative, encouraging working environment where kindness, respect, and professional pride are at the heart of everything we do
• Excellent training and career development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health and wellbeing support services
• Everyday saving perks - Access to a wide range of retail discounts and savings
• Free on-site parking
• Rewarding connections - Refer a Friend bonus - earn up to £750 per successful referral because great people know great people.

Due to the high level of interest we anticipate for this role, we may close this advert earlier than the stated closing date to manage applications effectively.

About Thames Wood House Thames Wood House is a luxurious care home in Wargrave in Reading, part of the award-winning Hamberley Care Homes - offering luxury care homes in beautiful locations throughout the UK. Residents live in spacious, stylish ensuite rooms, and enjoy beautifully furnished shared spaces and landscaped gardens. From the deluxe picture house - where we screen classic films - to the on-site luxury spa - offering hairdressing, manicures and relaxing therapies - everything has been designed and finished with the care and attention you would expect from a 5-star hotel. Hamberley People We respect and value our residents and each other. At Hamberley Care Homes, we believe in the importance of what we do and why we do it. Creative and empowered, our people see every day as an opportunity for growth and development. We make ideas happen. Together we can achieve anything.