Chef - Suffolk Lodge

The Methodist Church in Britain; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave pro rata

Perkbox rewards

Health & wellbeing day

Comprehensive training and development

Career progression opportunities

STAR awards

Generous pension

Job summary

Suffolk Lodge, a residential home in Wokingham, seeks a Chef to assist the Group Head Chef in preparing nutritious, diet-sensitive meals for older people with dementia. The role covers alternate weekends and events, and includes running the kitchen when the Head Chef is away.

An enhanced DBS check with adult barred list is required. The position offers training, development opportunities and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent culinary qualification.
• Food Hygiene Certificate at level 2.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing innovative, enticing menus.
• Create high-quality wholesome dishes with fresh produce.
• Collaborate with the Group Head Chef to deliver well-balanced meals tailored to individual needs.
• Prepare and develop full diet-sensitive meals as agreed for the people supported.
• Ensure meals are prepared to agreed standards and deadlines are met.
• Work independently and manage the kitchen in the Group Head Chef's absence.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Self-motivation

Welcoming dining

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Chef post at Suffolk Lodge, a residential home run for Wokingham Borough Council and Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead by Optalis, caring for older people with dementia plus respite and short-term recovery places. The role assists the Group Head Chef in preparing nutritious, diet-sensitive meals and keeping kitchen hygiene and food-safety records up to standard. It covers alternate weekends, runs the kitchen in the Group Head Chef's absence and caters for special events for the people supported. An enhanced DBS check with adult barred list is required.

What the job involves

• Assist in preparing innovative, enticing menus
• Create high-quality wholesome dishes with fresh produce
• Collaborate with the Group Head Chef to deliver well-balanced meals tailored to individual needs and preferences
• Prepare and develop full diet-sensitive meals as agreed for the people supported
• Ensure meals are prepared to agreed standards and deadlines are met
• Work independently and manage the kitchen in the Group Head Chef's absence
• Cater for special events such as parties and birthdays
• Use modern kitchen equipment
• Keep kitchen equipment clean and safe in line with daily, monthly and quarterly cleaning schedules
• Check and record freshness, quality and temperatures of delivered food
• Audit food sorting, labelling, rotation and use-by dates
• Work within a team to keep day-to-day tasks running smoothly and food and kitchen hygiene standards met

What’s required

Qualifications

• City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent culinary qualification
• Food Hygiene Certificate at level 2

Experience

• Experience working in a stock control or budgetary environment

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of nutrition
• Self-motivated and willing to take responsibility for resolving issues that arise
• Able to create a welcoming and enjoyable dining environment

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check with adult barred list
• Right to work in the UK

Other

• Warm and personable approach, genuinely caring for the wellbeing of the people supported
• Able to work alternate and rotational weekends

What’s offered

• 25 days annual leave pro rata rising to 30, plus 8 bank holidays and a birthday day off
• Perkbox rewards package with discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance
• An additional health and wellbeing day
• Comprehensive paid training and development programme
• Career progression opportunities and support
• STAR awards recognising staff who go the extra mile
• Generous pension scheme
• Voice in the service and forums