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).