Head Chef

TN United Kingdom; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking care home as a Head Chef, where your culinary expertise will shine. You'll lead a dedicated kitchen team, crafting nutritious meals that cater to the diverse needs of our residents. This role is not just about cooking; it's about creating a nurturing environment through food. Collaborate with management to design menus, oversee food safety, and ensure that every dish served meets the highest standards. If you're passionate about food and leadership, this is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Benefits

Pension

Onsite Parking

Paid PVG

Uniform Provided

5.6 Weeks Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Culinary qualifications or equivalent required.
• Strong leadership and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring quality meal production.
• Plan menus and manage kitchen staff effectively.

Skills

Culinary Qualifications

Team Leadership

Food Hygiene

Communication Skills

Initiative

Management Experience

Education

City & Guilds 706 1 & 2

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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Catering and Hospitality - Woodlands Care Home

Contract: Full Time

Shift Type: Days

Contracted hours: 40

Our care home, nestled in the tranquil Craigiebuckler area of Aberdeen, offers distinguished care services tailored to a variety of needs, including Residential, Nursing, Dementia, Respite, and Palliative care. With a capacity for 81 residents, we provide a serene and supportive environment where personalized care meets exceptional living.

Are you a culinary leader with a passion for creating exceptional meals and managing a kitchen with precision and care? We’re seeking a dynamic Head Chef to take charge of our care home’s kitchen, where your expertise will ensure our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious meals every day.

Why This Role Matters

As the Head Chef, you’ll be at the helm of our kitchen operations, responsible for crafting meals that not only satisfy but also nourish. Your leadership will drive the efficiency and effectiveness of our kitchen, ensuring that every dish served meets the highest standards of quality and care.

What You’ll Do

• Meal Production: Take full responsibility for preparing, cooking, and serving both hot and cold meals, ensuring they meet the dietary needs and preferences of our residents.
• Menu Planning: Collaborate with the Group Executive Chef & Home Manager to plan and cost menus that provide a balanced, nutritious diet, making optimal use of fresh, seasonal ingredients within budget.
• Kitchen Leadership: Supervise and instruct kitchen staff in the use of equipment and hygiene procedures, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth operations.
• Staff Training: Conduct Basic Food Hygiene training for all care staff involved in food handling and delivery, ensuring best practices are followed throughout the home.
• Professional Development: Continuously maintain and enhance your professional knowledge and competence, staying informed on the latest culinary and food safety standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of food supplies and monitor freezer and fridge temperatures to ensure food safety and quality.
• Stock Management: Oversee stock rotation, assist in ordering supplies, check deliveries, and conduct stock valuations as required by the Home Manager.
• Staff Scheduling: Prepare staff rotas for the kitchen, ensuring adequate coverage and smooth daily operations.
• Recruitment: Participate in interviews for new kitchen staff alongside the Home Manager, helping to build a strong, cohesive team.
• Health & Safety: Ensure that statutory Health & Safety standards are upheld in the kitchen and dining areas, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.
• Kitchen Cleanliness: Oversee the cleaning and storage of all crockery and equipment, ensuring the kitchen and dining areas are kept spotless and orderly.

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Culinary Qualifications: City & Guilds 706 " 1 & 2, or equivalent qualification (achieved or working towards).
• Team Player: Ability to lead a team effectively, fostering collaboration and efficiency in the kitchen.
• Food Hygiene: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, ensuring a solid foundation in food safety practices.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills to coordinate with the Home Manager and guide kitchen staff.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently, taking initiative to manage the kitchen operations effectively.
• Leadership Experience: Previous management or supervisory experience in a kitchen setting.

Desired Experience:

• Specialized Food Preparation: Experience in preparing food for the specific needs of the service user group.
• Care Environment Experience: Experience working in a care environment is an advantage but not essential.

If you’re ready to take the lead in a kitchen where your culinary skills and leadership will make a meaningful impact, we’d love to have you on our team. Join us in delivering meals that not only delight but also support the health and well-being of our residents every day.

• Pension
• Onsite Parking
• Paid PVG
• Uniform Provided
• 5.6 Weeks Annual Leave (Based on a full-time contract)