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Head Chef | Colchester
Job Posted: 5 days ago
Salary: £ 14 - 14 / Hour
Job Type:
Location: Colchester, Essex
Expire in: 23 days
Job Description
Job Type: Part time
Hours: 30 per week (7am3pm), working to a rota including alternate weekends
Salary: £14 per hour
Location: Colchester
About the Role
We are looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead the kitchen in a warm and welcoming home supporting 2425 residents. This is a meaningful role where your cooking will directly enhance residents' well-being, comfort, and quality of life.
In this role as Head Chef, you will oversee all aspects of the kitchen - from menu planning and meal preparation to team supervision and ensure exceptional dining experiences. If you are creative, organized, and experienced in producing high-quality meals for older adults (including those who struggle with solids), this role could be the perfect fit for you.
You will be supported by a dedicated team:
1 x Second Chef
2 x Kitchen Assistants
Care home experience is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
* Develop varied and engaging menu plans tailored to residents dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements
* Create special-themed meals in partnership with the Lifestyles & Wellbeing team
* Support residents who require modified diets (e.g., IDDSI)
* Maintain a welcoming dining environment and assist with serving meals
* Ensure full compliance with HACCP and Environmental Health standards
* Supervise, coach, and mentor the kitchen team
* Manage stock, ordering, and cost control efficiently
* Complete all required kitchen documentation using in-house IT systems
* Support a positive dining atmosphere that enhances residents' enjoyment and well-being.
About You
* Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification
* Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens and special dietary needs
* Experience working as a Head Chef, Cook or Kitchen Manager (care home experience ideal)
* Confident preparing meals for older adults, including texture-modified diets (IDDSI)
* Ability to plan, cook, and present varied, nutritious menus using fresh ingredients
* Skilled in supervising and motivating a small kitchen team
* Comfortable managing kitchen stock, ordering, and cost control
* Experience maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment
* Basic IT skills for completing kitchen records and documentation
* Creative, resident-focused, and passionate about enhancing mealtimes
* Warm, friendly and approachable with a genuine interest in supporting elderly residents
* Reliable, organized, and committed to high standards
* Experience coaching or mentoring kitchen/hospitality staff (desirable)
Benefits
* Competitive pay with potential for a higher rate for experienced applicants
* Supportive working environment in a well-regarded care home
* Opportunities to create themed meals and contribute to resident wellbeing
* Training opportunities, including IDDSI and nutrition-related development
* Stable and friendly team environment
* Free on-site parking
Apply Now
If you're a passionate chef who wants to make a real difference while leading a friendly, supportive kitchen team, wed love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your creativity, care, and culinary skills.
At Olive Recruit, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. Our core values, Integrity, Impact, Inclusivity, and Innovation, guide our efforts to create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel.
As a recruitment agency, we prioritise sourcing and placing diverse candidates with our clients, recognising that diverse perspectives are essential for business success and inclusive work environments.
We take great pride in celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences of our team members and candidates. By embracing these different perspectives, we not only create a great place to work but also better serve our clients. Your individuality is what makes our team strong.
Join us in championing our values and building a workplace where everyone can thrive.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment and participate fully in safeguarding training and processes.
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