Chef

Ahead Care Support And Housing; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 13,000; Part time

Job summary

A not-for-profit care provider in Eastleigh is seeking a compassionate Chef to oversee kitchen operations. You will prepare meals for residents, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure high hygiene standards. This role requires a Level 3 food safety certificate and offers a salary of £12,603.50 for 17.5 hours work per week. Benefits include increasing annual leave, training programs, and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts via Reward Gateway

Fully paid induction programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous pension contribution

Qualifications

• Holds a Level 3 food safety certificate.
• Experience in a kitchen environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervise kitchen staff and maintain hygiene standards.
• Prepare and cook meals for residents.
• Ensure timely meal service to customers.
• Handle customer complaints effectively.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

Resilience

Education

Level 3 food safety certificate

Job description

We’re looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Chef to join our Homelessness Social Care Service in Westminster.

Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the day‑to‑day supervision for all staff working in the kitchen/dining room.
• To prepare and cook meals for residents according to agreed menus.
• To ensure that meals are provided on time in accordance with advertised meal times.
• To ensure food kitchen hygiene meets a high standard at all times.
• To ensure that all meals are appropriately presented and served.
• To monitor all kitchen staff in safe methods of working with equipment and machinery.
• To report any accident, breakage or fault in accordance with the stated procedure.
• To maintain a high level of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation and serving areas.
• To provide a high standard of service to customers at all times and to deal with customers comments and complaints appropriately.
• Any other duties as designated by the line manager.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead. We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on excellence and innovation.
• We are caring and compassionate.
• We are inclusive and trusted.
• We work in partnership and are one‑team.

Personal Qualities

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
• Approachable and open behaviour.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
• Is confident with high levels of self‑esteem.
• Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.
• Is essentially customer‑focused.
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can‑do attitude.
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Holds a Level 3 food safety certificate.

Desirable:

• Previously worked in a kitchen environment.

Look Ahead is a leading, not‑for‑profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co‑design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

£12,603.50 per annum, working 17.5 hours per week.

Benefits

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service.
• Free DBS.
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card.
• Fully paid induction programme and further training.
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24‑7 confidential support.
• Online wellbeing resources.
• A generous pension – we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply).
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward and recognise our amazing staff’s commitment and contribution.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.