Chef - £14.00/ hour

ID - 1923

Position: Chef

Salary: £14.00/ hour

Shift Pattern: Full Time Days, 32-hours a week

Location: New Milton BH25

Role Purpose:
To plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, nutritious, and well-presented meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs, preferences, and health requirements are consistently met.

The Chef will contribute to a positive dining experience while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare varied menus in consultation with residents, staff, and dietary requirements (including soft diets, allergies, and medical conditions).
• Cook and present meals to a high standard, ensuring nutritional balance and portion control.
• Ensure all meals are served at the correct temperature and in an appealing manner.
• Manage food stock levels, carry out ordering, and monitor usage to minimise waste.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen and food storage areas in compliance with HACCP, Environmental Health, and CQC standards.
• Oversee safe storage, handling, and preparation of food items.
• Support and supervise kitchen assistants to ensure effective teamwork.
• Take into account residents’ cultural, religious, and individual food preferences.
• Contribute to mealtime experience by engaging positively with residents and staff.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and training as required.

Requirements:

• Previous experience as a Chef, ideally in a care home, healthcare, or hospitality environment.
• Knowledge of nutrition, dietary needs, and allergen management.
• Food Safety Level 2 (minimum) – Level 3 desirable.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to adapt menus to meet changing resident needs.
• Compassionate and resident-centred approach.

Desirable:

• Experience of working within elderly care, nursing, or residential settings.
• Knowledge of IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative).