Head Chef, Erith

Job Vacancy: Head Chef
Location: Meyer House Care Home, 28 Meyer Road, Erith DA8 3SJ
Contracted hours: 40 Hours per week – including some weekend work when required.
Hourly rate of pay: Starting at £13.50 per hour

Are you passionate about food? Do you like to get creative with ingredients and whip up dishes that provide both joy and a healthy balance of nutrition to those you are serving? Do you have exceptional leadership skills and the ability to inspire those around you to achieve amazing results? If so, this could be the next step you’ve been looking for.

We’re currently on the lookout for a Head Chef to lead our professional catering team. You’ll be responsible for providing high quality, attractive dishes for the people in our care with a range of special dietary and nutritional needs. Catering for large-scale clientele in healthcare requires a driven, enthusiastic, and understanding individual. If this is you, please read on…
What does the role involve?
You will liaise with our Home Manager, Nutritional Therapist and staff to ensure that high-quality fresh, home-cooked food is provided every day. You will also establish a rapport with our residents and their families in order to meet their dietary needs. You will be responsible for:

• Planning and producing a rotating four-week menu cycle, within the catering budget.
• Preparing, cooking and serving meals for residents and others as required, in a timely manner.
• Providing a varied diet, catering for the cultural preferences of those who use our services.
• Catering for celebrations and other events in our Home.
• Ordering supplies within the catering budget and company policy guidelines, using approved suppliers.
• Maintaining accurate catering records in accordance with HACCP.
• Participating in inspections by Environmental Health and/or CQC and Local Authorities.
• Maintaining a high standard of hygiene within the kitchen by adhering to HACCP and COSHH guidelines.
• Assisting in the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment by ensuring adherence to Health & Safety and Welfare.
• Ability to manage the Catering Team.

What skills do I need?

• Positive and motivated nature
• Creative and flexible catering skills
• The ability to lead, nurture, train and develop a team
• A sociable and caring personality, with the ability to build a positive relationship with the people we are catering and caring for
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• The ability to prioritise and organise work appropriately
• Excellent time management
• Attention to detail
• A professional and neat appearance

What benefits are included?

• Competitive pay and comprehensive induction
• Ongoing training programme to suit your development needs, e.g. English and Maths skills, dementia training, nutrition training and support in cooking for residents with diabetes, dementia, small appetite and chronic illness
• Nellsar work uniform
• Enhanced DBS check which is required for this role
• Workplace pension
• 5.6 weeks annual leave
• ‘Refer a Friend’ payments of up to £1000
• Free on-site parking