Head Chef

eRecruitSmart; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent culinary recruitment agency is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering operation in a residential care home in Greater London. The role involves creating high-quality meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety and dietary needs are met. The ideal candidate will have a Chef qualification, at least 2 years of chef experience, and excellent communication and leadership skills. This position offers a salary of up to £20 per hour and numerous benefits, including generous leave and wellness programs.

Benefits

26 & 8 statutory days annual leave entitlement

Life Assurance Benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Referral Scheme up to £1000

Occupational Health Support

Health and Wellbeing Programme

Discounted Gym Membership

Free Parking

Qualifications

• 2 years Chef experience.
• HACCP documentation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the catering operation within the care home.
• Prepare high-quality nutritious meals.
• Manage kitchen staff and operations.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Plan and deliver set menus.
• Engage with residents for feedback.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Strong knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards

Dedicated to food quality control

Knowledge of modified diets

Able to work in fast-paced environment

Education

Chef qualification

Food Hygiene certificate

Nutrition science for the Elderly

Job description

We have an excellent opportunity for a Head Chef to join our clients residential and respite care team at their outstanding CQC care home in West Wickham. In this role you will lead a team to run the catering operation within the Home. This includes preparing high quality home cooked, fresh, nutritional meals and catering for any dietary and cultural needs.

About the Role

As Head Chef you will be responsible for the operational efficiency of the catering service, planning and preparation of food and beverages to the required standard within the budget limitations as agreed with the home management. Duties include :

• Maintenance of the highest standard of personal management, hygiene and health and safety
• Lead, motivate and direct a team of kitchen colleagues to deliver a first-class catering service to the residents
• Understand the individual nutritional needs and choices of residents at all times
• Prepare menus in consultation with the Home Manager, residents, families and catering committees
• Prepare, cook and serve meals, ensuring that all special needs are fully considered and catered for
• Plan and deliver set four weekly menus, ensuring any substitutions have prior authorisation from the Home Manager
• Ensure any allergen changes are communicated effectively
• Being responsible for and working within the agreed catering budget
• Regularly engage with and seek feedback from residents, relatives, visitors and colleagues
• Prepare beverages and snacks throughout the day, around the needs and choices of residents
• Stock taking, stock rotation, storage of stock, checking and receiving deliveries
• Occasionally organise special functions, which may be outside of normal working hours.
• Be diligent in ensuring any defects of equipment are reported to the Home Manager and Maintenance Person in a timely manner.
• Under the supervision of the Home Manager, to carry out annual appraisals for kitchen colleagues.
• Conduct quarterly staff supervision and personal development plans as required.
• Rota the catering department for its needs, monitor sickness, absence, authorise holiday within the department
• Hold and attend Regular Team Meetings with catering staff and management
• Being responsible for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others whilst at work and alerting the officers responsible to any hazards or potential risks to health and safety
• Be fully conversant with the policies relating to Governance, Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Whistleblowing
• Act as an ambassador for the company Vision and Values
• Promote equality and diversity at all times and across all work activities
• Attend mandatory training days / courses, on or off site, as and when required

About You

To be successful in the role of Head Chef you must have :

• Chef qualification
• 2 years Chef experience
• Leadership skills
• Excellent communication
• Able to work in fast paced environment
• Dedicated to food quality control
• Strong knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards
• Knowledge of modified diets
• HACCP documentation
• Food Hygiene certificate
• Nutrition science for the Elderly

About the rewards

As a Head Chef you will receive an excellent salary of up to £20 per hour depending on experience plus a superb range of benefits including :

• 26 & 8 statutory days annual leave entitlement
• Life Assurance Benefits
• Cycle to work scheme
• Referral Scheme up to £1000
• Occupational Health Support
• Health and Wellbeing Programme
• GP consultations, Mental Health Treatment, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and counselling
• Discounted Gym Membership
• 50% off a coffee from every week from Café Nero
• 75% off Champneys Spa breaks.
• Subsidised Apple Watches and Amazon Prime membership and discount on hotel bookings with Expedia
• Long Service Award Vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid Enhanced DBS
• Inhouse Mental Health First Aiders
• Eye Test Vouchers
• Eligible for Blue Light Card
• Free Parking
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Policy