Job Description

Location:

Abberton Manor Nursing Home, Colchester

Job Type:

Full time

Hours:

30 hours per week

Working Pattern:

Working to a Rota

Hourly Rate:

14 per hour

Qualification:

Level 3 in Food Hygiene

What are we looking for?

Are you passionate about cooking with creativity and making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team as the Head Chef, where you'll not only plan and prepare home cooked meals, but also lead the kitchen team in delivering high quality food and an engaging dining experience for our residents. You will be part of the wider team and be involved in enhancing the resident's lives.

This role is all about developing high quality through menu planning, leading the kitchen team, getting to know the residents (their likes and dietary needs) and making every mealtime something to look forward to. If you're creative, compassionate, and meticulous in running an efficient kitchen, then this role may be the perfect fit for you.

Role:

Use

fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients

wherever possible to develop interesting and varied menu plans, responding to residents' dietary needs

and cultural preferences

whilst exploring new ways to serve high-quality food and enhance our residents dining experience.

Elevate the

presentation and atmosphere

of dining areas and help to serve lunch in the dining room, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for residents.

Work closely with the

Lifestyles & Wellbeing team

to create

themed cooking events and special meals

for residents.

Enhance residents' wellbeing by continuously expanding your culinary expertise through relevant courses, such as IDDSI and Focus on Undernutrition, ensuring every meal supports their health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

Stay updated on best practices in elderly nutrition and supervise, coach and mentor the Hospitality team on special dietary needs, and food safety standards.

Management of the Kitchen Team

Completion of the required documentation using in house IT systems.

Create a safe, welcoming, and hygienic kitchen environment that not only meets Environmental Health and HACCP standards but also ensures every meal is prepared with care.

About you:

Previous experience in a care home, healthcare, or a fast-paced kitchen environment is beneficial, helping you to create meals that provide comfort, nutrition, and joy to our residents.

A background in adapting menus, catering to dietary needs, and working in a team-oriented kitchen will be an advantage.

Holds a Level 3 in Food Hygiene is (essential)

Passion for creating meaningful dining experiences and an understanding of the importance of food in enhancing residents' wellbeing

Possessing knowledge of special dietary requirements, particularly food for the elderly, and familiarity with IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) guidelines is advantageous.

Leadership experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Store discount
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Experience:

Kitchen management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

right to work in the UK without Visa Sponsorship? (required) driving licence and access to a vehicle (required)
Work Location: In person