Head Chef

TLC Care; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

TLC Care seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations in a care home environment. This role combines hands-on cooking, team management, and adherence to food quality standards, aiming to improve residents' quality of life through exceptional meals. Prospective chefs should possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with essential culinary qualifications.

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Extensive learning and development opportunities

Discounts from over 2000 retailers

Health cash plans

Free meals and uniform

Mental health first aid support

Qualifications

• Experience in a care home environment preferred.
• Ability to prepare Kosher, Halal, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
• Familiarity with EHO regulations.

Responsibilities

• Organize and control efficient food production within budget.
• Recruit and train kitchen team members.
• Ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

City & Guilds Level 1 & 2 or equivalent

Basic Food / Hygiene Certificate

Tools

Level 3 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

TLC Care have an amazing opportunity for an experienced Head Chef with both culinary talent and leadership experience, especially in a care home environment.

The role offers a good mix of hands-on cooking, team management, and maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.

Description

At TLC Care, our focus is quality of life and our approach to specialised nursing, residential and dementia care is, we believe, second to none, with dedicated highly-trained carers and nurses on hand 24 hours a day to provide assistance to meet the needs and wishes of each individual resident.

TLC Care have care homes across London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Surrey.

We are looking for a candidate who has a passion for cooking to join our award winning team where you will have the opportunity to expand your culinary skills.

The main purpose of the Head Chef's role is to organise and control the efficient and economic production of quality food within the budget, whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with EHO regulations.

Food preparation will be expected to be of a very high standard and will include:

Preparing, cooking and serving hot and cold meals, as and when required.

Providing for special dietary requirements and take into account the preferences of individual residents, which will include preparing Kosher, Halal, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

The Head Chef will also be responsible for -

• Recruitment of kitchen team members
• Auditing & ensuring the kitchen adheres to EHO Regulations
• Follows the IDDSI framework and ensuring all dietary requirements are met
• Good Leadership skills
• Timely production of a 4 week kitchen rota
• Assist with training of the kitchen team.
• Development of menus using sustainable produce
• Placing orders
• Monthly stock take
• Monitor and control food cost within budgeted guidelines.
• Oversee the food safety management system.

Why Choose TLC Care?

- Be part of an IIP Platinum organization known for exceptional people practices and support, including engagement champions and mental health first aiders.

- Immerse yourself in a culture that lives and breathes our TLC values in all we do.

- Enjoy extensive support via engagement sessions with our Support Office Team.

- Benefit from tailored career paths and incentive-based pay schemes.

- Receive 28 days holiday, including bank holidays.

- Participate in unparalleled learning and development opportunities through our TLC Academy.

- Available discounts from over 2000 high-street and online retailers, free meals, uniform, health cash plans, and much more.

- Connect with a leadership team skilled in providing person-centered leadership, ensuring you’re consistently supported and inspired in your role.

Requirements:

The successful applicant is required to have the following qualifications and skills:

•City & Guilds Level 1 & 2, or equivalent (achieved or working towards)

•Basic Food / Hygiene Certificate

•Previous supervisor experience

Good communication skills

•Ability to work on own initiative

•Team player

Desired

Level 3 Food Safety Certificate