Chef

Woodland Grove; Loughton; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

1 free meal per shift

Enhanced Bank Holiday pay

Uniform provided

Recognition and staff appreciation

Job summary

Woodland Grove in Loughton is seeking a passionate Chef to support our Head Chef in a fast‑paced kitchen, delivering nutritious, high‑quality meals for residents daily.

You should have at least two years catering experience, plus knowledge of food regulations and therapeutic/textured diets, and strong communication skills to thrive in a supportive team. This daytime, zero hours (BANK) contract offers development opportunities within a caring environment.

Qualifications

• At least two years catering experience.
• Knowledge of food regulations.
• Familiarity with therapeutic and textured diets.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutritious and high-quality meals for residents.
• Follow care and support plans to meet nutritional needs.
• Prepare nutritious snacks as requested by management.
• Ensure all dishes are high quality, flavorful and well presented.
• Collaborate with Head Chef to maintain smooth kitchen operations.
• Manage stock control, including ordering and replenishment.

Skills

Catering experience

Strong communication

Food regulations knowledge

Therapeutic & textured diets knowledge

Job description

Are you a skilled and passionate Chef ready to take the next step in your culinary career? We’re looking for a creative, detail‑driven professional to join our team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. With at least two years of catering experience, strong communication skills, and solid knowledge of food regulations, therapeutic diets, and textured diets, you’ll thrive in our supportive and structured environment. If you’re committed to high standards, enjoy crafting nutritious and delicious meals, and want a role where your talent truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

We offersome excellent rewards and benefits including:

• We offer all team members 1 freemeal per shift.
• EnhancedBank Holiday pay.
• Uniform provided.
• Recognition and staff appreciation initiatives.

Location: Woodland Grove, Rectory Lane, Loughton IG10 3RU

Pay: £17 per hour

Contract: Zero Hours (BANK)

Shift: Days

As a Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Head Chef with the day‑to‑day management of our fast‑paced, state‑of‑the‑art kitchen. Working closely with the Head Chef and our fantastic kitchen team, you’ll help deliver dishes of the highest standard while ensuring every resident receives an exceptional dining experience. This role also offers a great opportunity for personal development and career progression within a supportive and dynamic environment.

What you will be doing:

• Delivering an excellent food service at all times.
• Following care and support plans to meet the specific nutritional needs of each resident.
• Preparing nutritious snacks as requested by the General Manager.
• Ensuring all prepared food is high‑quality, flavoursome, and beautifully presented.
• Collaborating closely with the Head Chef to maintain smooth kitchen operations.
• Managing stock control, including ordering and replenishment.

What you need to succeed:

• Strong communication skills.
• Ideally, a minimum of 2 years’ catering experience.
• Awareness of relevant food regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of therapeutic and textured diets (advantageous).
• Proven experience delivering a high‑quality catering service.
• Ability to follow a structured menu while bringing creativity to your dishes.

“Our mission”is to provide exceptional homes for people to live, love and be loved where everyone is part of our family.

• Family
• Integrity
• Respect
• Exceptional
• Sustainable