Head Chef

Job Title: Head Chef
Establishment: Care Home
Location: Hereford
Salary: £13.00 - £13.50 per hour
Hours: 30 Hours Per Week, Permanent

Job Overview:

Pineapple Recruitment is excited to partner with a vibrant, modern, and welcoming luxury care home in search of a passionate Head Chef to join their team. This is an opportunity to play a key role in enhancing the lives of over 40 residents through the preparation of delicious, home-cooked, and nutritious meals. Since new management took over in March 2019, the home has undergone exciting changes, and they’re now looking for a skilled Chef to help continue their journey of improvement. If you’re someone who thrives on creating meals that cater to the elderly, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, tasty meals for residents with a focus on quality and variety, following a rolling menu plan.

• Ensure that food purchasing meets high-quality standards while staying within budget.

• Maintain strict Environmental Health, Food Safety, and Hygiene regulations in the kitchen and storage areas.

• Work closely with kitchen staff, offering support and guidance to ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations.

• Design menus that cater to the specific dietary needs and preferences of residents, including special dietary requirements.

• Train, supervise, and inspire kitchen staff to consistently deliver excellent service.

• Oversee meal timings to ensure meals are served promptly.

• Regularly check and maintain food stock levels, ensuring correct storage and rotation to adhere to "first-in/first-out" principles.

• Ensure all food deliveries match orders and invoices, reporting any discrepancies.

• Monitor and record food temperatures to maintain safe consumption standards.

• Implement measures to reduce food waste and improve food handling and utilization.

• Ensure the correct and safe use of all food processing equipment, including regular cleaning and maintenance.

• Ensure correct personal hygiene of all staff using the kitchen.

• Assist staff in serving meals when required.

• Ensure all surfaces are cleaned, waste bins are emptied, and dishwashing is completed before going off duty.

• Record refrigerator and freezer temperatures regularly and defrost when needed.

• Report any maintenance requirements to the home manager.

• Complete and maintain all required kitchen records and documentation.

• Undertake required training and development as necessary.

• Comply with Health & Safety, COSHH, and Fire regulations.

• Abide by the policies and procedures of the home.

• Use IT and other provided equipment to undertake duties effectively.

• Perform other reasonable duties as required by the home management.

Required Skills & Attributes:

• Proven experience as a Chef, ideally in healthcare or hospitality settings.

• Genuine passion for cooking and creating meals that support the health and well-being of elderly residents.

• Strong understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage time effectively.

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

• Leadership abilities to motivate and manage kitchen staff.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends.

Education & Qualifications:

• Food Hygiene Certified (Level 2 or willingness to work towards Intermediate Food Hygiene).

• First Aid Certified.

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Food Preparation/Catering (preferred but not essential).

What We Offer:

• The satisfaction of making a positive impact in the lives of our residents.

• Career progression and opportunities to further develop your skills.

• A supportive, dynamic, and friendly working environment.

• The chance to be part of an enthusiastic, committed team.

Additional Benefits:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.

• Career development and progression opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Blue Light Card Scheme: Access discounts on holidays, days out, and over 15,000 national brands.

• Refer a Friend programme with a thank-you gift of up to £500.

• Full DBS disclosure (paid by us).

• Uniform provided.

• Enhanced pay rates for bank holidays.

• Paid breaks during working hours.

Candidates with a passion for culinary excellence and a desire to join a prestigious team are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of residents and work in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Pineapple Recruitment is handling this recruitment on behalf of our client and is acting as a Recruitment Agency for this role.