Head Chef

Location: Chigwell Row

Ever imagined being a Head Chef and still having a social life? Experience the blend of being a Head Chef while maintaining a vibrant life outside of work.

This role offers a refreshing change from the typical culinary demands- no evenings, a five-day work week and keeping the stress levels low. You will be leading an established kitchen team at Lakefield Neurological Centre in Chigwell overseeing the preparation oflarge-scale meals for the staff and service users.

Your role extends beyond the kitchen, as you provide guidance and training to support your team. There are regular activities, events and special occasions throughout the year which you'll also cater for – world food day, Christmas, Easter, family day etc. In other words, plenty of chance to be creative and do something different. It's a calm and pleasurable working environment, where you'll be able to manage your workload and enjoy creating delicious meals.

There's a great social aspect to this role where you can interact with people outside the kitchen regularly. You and your catering team will run the kitchen to hotel/restaurant standards, ensuring a smooth operation with a clean kitchen, tasty menu and happy ‘customers'. Just imagine… great job satisfaction, home in time for dinner every night and two days off a week.

Now that's a recipe for a balanced work-life combo. As a Head Chef you will be:
Coordinating the day-to-day management of the catering team to run an efficient food production service. Ensuring that the catering service meets the nutritional and dietary needs of the service users. Ensuring the catering service provides meals to staff and company visitors in accordance with the Company policies and procedures. Taking the lead in the production of a menu plan, providing a varied diet within budgetary restraints.

Ensuring that any maintenance and servicing of catering equipment or the environment is reported to Facilities Manager/maintenance. Seek feedback, develop and standardise seasonal menu items to ensure nutritious and high-quality food is produced. Responding to any reported complaints or incidents, assisting with investigation and referring any unresolved complaints Responsible for stock management and equipment in the production areas, reporting issues or concerns.

Managing efficient staff rotas, plan agency and overtime cover and ensure absences are covered within agreed budgets. Assisting in the completion of monthly audits of the catering provision to ensure standards are maintained. To be successful in this role, you will have: GCSE or equivalent English Catering Diploma (City & Guilds/BTEC) and Health & Safety and Food Hygiene Certificates City & Guilds 706/1 and 2 (or equivalent) Basic Food Preparation Cooking Basic Food Hygiene (essential) Intermediate Food hygiene (desirable) Previous experience in a similar environment Management/Supervisory Qualification Previous experience in delivering a service on mass Menu Planning, costing, ordering, stock control and budget experience Where you will be working:
Lakefield's Neurological Centre, Lambourne Road, Chigwell, IG7 6HH
Lakefields Neurological Centre will be a 22-bed service that delivers specialist 24-hour nursing and therapy services for people with complex long-term neurological conditions who require ongoing support and assistance to maximise their functional ability and improve their quality of life. The Centre specialises in neuro-rehabilitation, tracheostomy and ventilator care. Bedrooms are adapted to individual requirements, fitted with high dependency equipment including ceiling track hoists, wall mounted suction and oxygen equipment.

There are also well-equipped therapy facilities, spacious lounge areas and wheelchair access to…