Head Chef

Norwood; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care service provider is seeking a Head Chef to lead a team and prepare meals that comply with Kashrut and Food Hygiene Regulations. The role requires supervising the catering team, ensuring food safety, and accommodating special dietary needs. You will manage kitchen operations, support events, and work flexibly as necessary. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on meal provision within a caring environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team preparing meals complying with Kashrut and Food Hygiene Regulations.
• Provide supervision and development to the catering team.
• Ensure food safety and compliance with health standards.
• Prepare nutritious meals accommodating special dietary needs.
• Maintain kitchen operations including stock and cleaning.
• Support functions or events and work flexibly as required.

Job description

Head Chef

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Job Title

Head Chef

Report to

Operations Team

Hours

39 per week

Location

Ravenswood Village, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 6BQ

Contract

Permanent

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• To be part of, and lead, a team preparing and providing meals which comply with the laws of Kashrut and Food Hygiene Regulations.
• To provide regular supervision, leadership and development to the catering team.
• Working in a professional manner whilst developing a strong team ethos, where staff and trainees are motivated to reach their full potential.
• To ensure that food is purchased, stored, prepared and served is safe for consumption and in accordance with Kosher preparation and cooking of food in appropriate quantities for the allocated services.
• To maintain all aspects of the kitchen, including stock, cleaning and disposal of waste under the regulations set by the Food Standards Agency.
• To prepare and serve well-balanced, nutritious meals, to accommodate and adhere to special dietary needs, vegetarian options and care plans when creating a diverse menu plan for the allocated services.
• To complete periodic deep cleaning of the kitchen as defined in the cleaning schedule.
• To record, report and action all Health and Safety and Food Standards Agency required checks, including food temperatures, fridge and freezer temperatures, opening and closing checks.
• Liaise with care staff, home managers and other health professionals as necessary regarding any specific dietary requirements relating to individual health needs and ensure that foods are prepared with due care and attention, with particular regard to these dietary requirements developing menus around this information and guidance.
• To be aware of and comply with the safe working practices as laid down under the Health & Safety at Work Act and Food Hygiene Regulations.
• To support ad hoc functions or events on or off site and to provide cover where necessary, ensuring continuity of the day-to-day operation of the kitchen. This may include the need to work flexibly or additional hours on occasion.

General

• To maintain standard of dress that is appropriate to role and in accordance with the organisation’s dress policy.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times and to ensure respect for, proper observance of and adherence to Norwood's confidentiality policy for all staff.
• To work on a rotating rota with the requirement to work at weekends as required. Hours of work per day can vary according to the needs of the service within the weekly hours contracted.
• To attend regular supervision sessions with the line manager and undertake relevant training as and when required.
• To take all reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by his / her acts or omissions. Co-operate with the organisation as far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with. To report to the Health and Safety Manager regarding a serious risk or your concerns over safety issues.
• To work collaboratively with volunteers to ensure that their contribution enhances the quality of service provision and support across the organisation.
• To work at any other Norwood location, as and when required.
• To provide where required training to support workers providing meals in other services as well as menu review / implementation support as requested.
• To undertake any other duties which are consistent with the post.
• This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the service.