Head Chef - The Hollies Nursing Home

Optalis is the adult social care delivery partner on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council. Optalis is owned and funded by the 2 Councils. Optalis is not a private provider or an employment agency.

Head Chef, Full Time - Burghfield Common £31,267.54

Hollies Nursing and Residential Home, located in Burghfield Common, offers a warm and welcoming environment dedicated to providing exceptional care for our residents. We prioritise the well-being of our team and residents through competitive benefits, a supportive atmosphere, and a commitment to developing our staff.

The Head Chef will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, managing staff, developing new recipes, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety. This role requires a creative and passionate culinary leader who can inspire a team and deliver an outstanding dining experience.

Some of the main responsibilities will include:

· Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.

· Develop and implement innovative menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends.

· Ensure that all food served meets quality and safety standards, including adherence to health regulations and food handling practices.

· Maintain an uptodate knowledge of individual dietary needs paying specific attention to modified diets, fortified diets & known allergens. Records need to be maintained for all catering staff.

· On an individual’s admission to the service the Nursing team will ensure clear information is sent to Head chef who has responsibility for disseminating information.

· Manage kitchen staff, including training, supervisions and appraisals.

· Control food costs and inventory, minimising waste while maximizing quality and flavour.

You will have experience of holding a Head Chef position along with a Culinary Degree or equivalent professional experience. Food Safety level 3. Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery.

Working hours are 7am-7pm within a rota pattern which will include every other weekend.

Working for Optalis you will also receive a range of benefits, including:

• A Perkbox rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising annually to a maximum of 30 days with 8 bank holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday
• An additional health and wellbeing day
• A comprehensive paid training and development programme
• Excellent career progression opportunities and support
• As a valued and integral member of the team you will have a voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference
• STAR awards - a reward scheme which recognises staff who have gone the extra mile
• A generous pension scheme