Colchester
Chef - Care Home \n Pay: £14 - £15.67 per hour dependent on experience \n Hours: 40 hours per week \n Shift Pattern: 4 days on, 4 days off \n Working Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm \n About the Role \n We are looking for a passionate and creative Chef to join our care home team, preparing delicious, nutritious and home-cooked meals for our 28 residents. \n This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who takes pride in their cooking, enjoys baking and has a genuine interest in making a positive difference to residents’ daily lives. You will have the opportunity to showcase your creativity through special occasions, including afternoon tea events, parties and themed celebrations. \n Key Responsibilities \n\n • Prepare and cook breakfasts, lunches, teas and snacks for 28 residents.\n, • Maintain the home’s 5-star Food Hygiene rating by following all relevant food safety and hygiene standards.\n, • Keep the kitchen clean, tidy and organised, ensuring all cleaning duties are completed at the end of each shift.\n, • Maintain accurate kitchen paperwork and essential food safety records.\n, • Complete weekly online food orders and ensure ingredients and supplies are available.\n, • Prepare creative baked goods and treats for special events, including High Tea afternoons, parties and themed occasions.\n, • Demonstrate a good understanding of nutrition and the importance of providing balanced, appealing meals.\n, • Work independently while collaborating with the wider team to provide an excellent dining experience for residents.\n, • Complete all required annual mandatory training.\n\n Requirements \n\n • An appropriate catering qualification.\n, • A minimum of a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.\n, • Previous experience in a similar catering or chef role is preferred.\n, • A good understanding of food hygiene, safety and nutrition.\n, • The ability to work independently, manage your workload and maintain high standards.\n, • A passion for cooking and baking, with a creative approach to menu preparation and special events.\n, • A friendly, personable approach and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people.\n, • A fully registered online DBS.\n, • Willingness to complete the Safer Food, Better Business certificate.\n, • Your own transport is essential due to the rural location.\n\n Working Pattern \n\n • 40 hours per week.\n, • 7:30am – 5:30pm.\n, • Four days on, followed by four days off, on a rolling rota.\n, • Flexibility to work weekends and some bank holidays is required.\n\n Salary and Benefits \n\n • £14 - £15.67 per hour dependent on experience\n, • A consistent 4-on, 4-off rolling shift pattern.\n, • The opportunity to use your culinary creativity and baking skills to make a real difference to residents everyday lives.\n\n If you are a dedicated Chef who enjoys preparing nutritious meals, creating delicious homemade treats and bringing people together through food, we would love to hear from you!