Senior Head Chef

Job summary

45 hours £17-20ph , 33h 07:00-18:00  cooking with 1 hour unpaid break, the reamining 12 hours split over 2 admin days with 30 unpaid break per day.

JOB PURPOSE

To lead, manage and oversee the catering operations at Hill House Care Home, combining hands-on culinary excellence with strategic oversight of the kitchen department. The Senior Head Chef is responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, the development of high-quality seasonal menus, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective production of nutritious meals for residents and staff.

The role will have accountability for the catering function at Hill House, encompassing food production, supplier management, budget oversight, compliance, and staff development.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

•  Foundation degree, higher diploma in Hospitality Management, or equivalent

•  NVQ 3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent)

•  Level 2 Food / Hygiene Certificate (or NVQ 2 equivalent)

•  Excellent knowledge of HACCP & COSHH regulations

•  Previous leadership and kitchen management experience

•  The ability to motivate, supervise and develop kitchen staff

•  Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills

•  Customer service skills with a resident-centred approach

•  Business management skills, including budget awareness

•  Thorough knowledge of food production methods and culinary techniques

•  Capable of working effectively as part of a team and leading by example

•  Ability to work autonomously and on own initiative

•  Ability to accept constructive feedback and perform well under pressure

•  Satisfactory enhanced DBS checks

Desired

•  Previous supervisory or senior chef experience

•  Experience of food preparation for elderly or care home resident groups

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Design, Preparation & Delivery

•  Prepare, cook, garnish and serve hot and cold meals according to the set menu and individual resident preferences

•  Lead the development of nutritious, appetising and seasonal menus, in consultation with the Home Manager

•  Ensure quarterly seasonal menus are approved, costed and delivered on time and within agreed budgets

•  Oversee and maintain quality control of all resident and staff meals

•  Provide for and oversee special dietary requirements, considering individual preferences and clinical guidance from nursing staff

•  Record any changes to the set menu, informing residents and staff promptly and providing an updated menu

•  Maintain high standards of presentation, taste and food quality at all times

•  Organise the purchasing of groceries and goods in conjunction with supplier and budget requirements

•  Maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring high standards and locally sourced produce where possible

Communication

•  Keep up to date with admissions and discharges within the home, adjusting meal preparation accordingly

•  Communicate with Registered Nurses and Managers regarding the dietary status and needs of all residents

•  Liaise with the Home Manager when planning and costing menus, making best use of fresh and seasonal produce

•  Liaise with activities and hospitality leads regarding special events and their catering requirements

•  Communicate with senior management regarding kitchen equipment needs, breakages and servicing

•  Arrange and participate in staff and management meetings as required

•  Support the delivery of catering for home events, such as summer BBQs, birthday parties and Christmas functions

Budgetary & Financial Control

•  Ensure food supplies and procurement remain within agreed budget constraints

•  Maintain accurate records of food supplies, wastage, stock rotation and fridge/freezer temperatures

•  Provide regular feedback to the Home Manager regarding budget performance within the catering department

•  Oversee stock rotation and check deliveries effectively

Human Resources

•  Manage and maintain the kitchen staff rota, ensuring adequate cover and adherence to contracted hours

•  Conduct Return to Work interviews following staff sickness or absence, as required

•  Participate in the interview and selection of new kitchen staff members in line with company policy

Training & Development

•  Supervise and instruct kitchen staff in the use of all equipment and hygiene procedures, providing guidance and empowering them to train others

•  Conduct and document individual training with kitchen staff to establish competency in their roles

•  Ensure all staff involved in food handling have completed basic food hygiene training and adhere to required standards

•  Maintain and improve own professional knowledge and competence

•  Attend mandatory training days and courses, on or off site, as required

Health, Safety & Compliance

•  Ensure all statutory Health and Safety standards are upheld in the kitchen and dining areas at all times

•  Ensure all HACCP documentation is completed correctly, signed and up to date

•  Ensure all displayed documentation and certificates within the catering department are current

•  Maintain cleanliness and appropriate storage of all crockery and equipment; oversee cleaning of kitchen and dining areas

•  Ensure all kitchen staff have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for kitchen and chemical use

•  Ensure the COSHH folder and data sheets are regularly reviewed and updated, including on CMS facilities

•  Report immediately to the Manager or Person in Charge any illness of an infectious nature or accident involving a resident, colleague, or self

•  Understand and implement Hill House Nursing Home Ltd.'s Health and Safety policy and Emergency and Fire procedures

•  Report any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or potential hazards to the Manager or Handyperson

•  Promote safe working practices throughout the care home at all times

GENERAL

•  Promote a positive, professional profile within the local community, upholding the reputation of Hill House Care Home at all times

•  Ensure all information of a confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties (GDPR)

•  Notify the Home Manager or Person in Charge as soon as possible of any inability to report for duty, and on return from any absence

•  Ensure the security of the Care Home is maintained at all times

•  Adhere to all Company policies and procedures within the defined timescales

•  Ensure all equipment is clean and well maintained

•  Carry out any other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to you