Head Chef

Harrier Grange Care Home; Andover; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A private care home in Hampshire is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, ensuring residents enjoy exceptional, nutritious meals. Responsibilities include menu planning, meal production, staff training, and maintaining health and safety standards. Join a supportive environment where your culinary expertise will directly impact residents' well-being.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead a team effectively.
• Previous management or supervisory experience in a kitchen setting.
• Experience in preparing food for specific needs is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve hot and cold meals for residents.
• Collaborate on menu planning to ensure nutritious balanced diets.
• Supervise kitchen staff in hygiene procedures.

Skills

Team Player

Communication Skills

Initiative

Education

City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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Catering and Hospitality - Harrier Grange Care Home

Contract: Full Time

Shift Type: Days

Contracted hours: 40

Our private care facility in Hampshire offers Residential, Dementia, Nursing, and Respite Care, providing an enriched and fulfilling lifestyle for up to 66-residents in a warm and supportive environment.

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.

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.