Chef Working hours:
Week 1:
Sunday 07.30am - 3pm
Monday 07.30am - 3pm
Tuesday 07.30am - 3pm
Wednesday 3pm - 9pm
Thursday 3pm - 9pm
Week 2:
Sunday 3pm - 9pm
Monday 3pm - 9pm
Tuesday 3pm - 9pm
Thursday 07.30am - 3pm
Friday 07.30am - 3pm
Pay rate
The starting rate is £12.70 per hour, this could be increased upon successful completion of the the trial period and will depend on experience, qualifications and performance.
Interviews
These will be held on Thursday 01st October and Thursday 09th October (we may be able to provide alternate with prior request)
Company Overview
The Warren Residential Lodge is a family-run Residential Care Home for the Elderly located in Lee-on-The-Solent. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive, homely, and friendly atmosphere for both our staff and residents, with a strong commitment to providing person-centred care.
What You'll Do
* Plan and prepare daily meals, snacks, and special menus, ensuring variety, nutrition, and appealing presentation.
* Prepare fortified meals and high-calorie shakes for residents who need extra nutritional support.
* Safely prepare texture-modified diets, including blended, puréed, and soft foods, for residents with swallowing difficulties.
* Maintain strict allergen awareness and management at all times, safeguarding residents' health.
* Plan and cook themed meals in line with our events calendar (e.g. National Cheese Day, cultural celebrations, seasonal holidays).
* Present meals attractively to encourage appetite, even for residents who may struggle with eating or have reduced interest in food.
* Be flexible and adaptable, responding to residents' changing needs, preferences, or last-minute requests, particularly for those living with dementia.
* Manage kitchen stock, ordering, and budget while maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards in line with Safer Food Better Business.
* Supervise and support kitchen assistants or catering staff as needed.
* Work as part of a team of three Chefs, rotating shifts to meet the needs of the kitchen, including a mixture of early and late shifts.
* Be able to work confidently in a busy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable environment.
* Provide scratch-cooked, home-style food that brings comfort and quality to residents.
* Bake fresh cakes and pastries daily, as residents enjoy freshly baked cake every day.
* Cater for a vulnerable client group, many of whom struggle with appetite, by tailoring food to individual needs and preparing appealing alternatives.
* Support residents at end of life, where food intake may be poor, by creating dishes based on what they "fancy" to encourage comfort and enjoyment.
Skills & Experience We're Looking For
* Previous experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally in a care, healthcare, or hospitality setting.
* Strong knowledge of nutrition and specialist diets (fortified meals, texture-modified foods, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian/vegan).
* Proven experience following Safer Food Better Business guidelines.
* Excellent allergen awareness and ability to prevent cross-contamination.
* Creativity in food presentation to encourage residents' appetite.
* Organised, flexible, and able to adapt to residents' changing needs.
* Confidence in working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.
* Skilled in baking and producing fresh cakes and pastries.
Qualifications
* Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum), Level 3 preferred.
* Relevant culinary or catering qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent desirable).
* Allergen awareness training (preferred).
Why Work With Us?
* Make a real difference in residents' lives every day.
* Be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team.
* Opportunities for professional development and training.
* Enjoy a rewarding role in a home that values care, creativity, and individuality.
Working hours:
Week 1:
Sunday 07.30am - 3pm
Monday 07.30am - 3pm
Tuesday 07.30am - 3pm
Wednesday 3pm - 9pm
Thursday 3pm - 9pm
Week 2:
Sunday 3pm - 9pm
Monday 3pm - 9pm
Tuesday 3pm - 9pm
Thursday 07.30am - 3pm
Friday 07.30am - 3pm
Pay rate
The starting rate is £12.70 per hour, this could be increased upon successful completion of the the trial period and will depend on experience, qualifications and performance.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.70-£14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 33 – 35 per week
Benefits:
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* Please confirm you have read the Job Description including working hours and pay rate
* Please confirm you acknowledge that due to the nature of our organisation we do not allow Annual leave over Christmas and New Year
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person