Job Description
JOB TITLE: Head Chef
RESPONSIBLE TO: General Manager (see attached organisational chart)
Hours - 45 hrs/week (7.30am-5pm with alternative weekends off)
OVERALL OBJECTIVES:
* To consistently deliver appetising high quality food and beverages, using fresh locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and within agreed budget.
* To plan and agree menus of an appropriate restaurant standard that meet the dietary requirements of the customers and ensure they are served in a friendly professional manner in an environment that is welcoming and relaxing.
* To work independently and autonomously to manage food and beverage provision while building excellent relationships with the General Manager, colleagues, customers and suppliers.
* To proactively identify and agree opportunities to improve the food and beverage provision offered to meet the changing needs of new and existing customers there by exceeding their expectations.
* To contribute to an ambience within the setting that is appropriate to the customer profile and in line with the vision and values of Westward Care Ltd.
* To contribute to the success of events and marketing activities by providing food and beverages that demonstrate the high standard of catering available at Westward Care.
About The Role
MAIN DUTIES:
Delivering the Vision
* To manage all aspects of the food and beverage provision at Westward Care to deliver a high quality, appropriate, restaurant standard service to customers within budget.
* To ensure that face to face and telephone enquiries are dealt with in an efficient, friendly and professional manner.
* To lead by example to ensure that all customers and employees are treated with equality, dignity and respect and every individual feels they can challenge discrimination and harassment in employment practice and service provision.
* To contribute to an ethos of ‘right first time and on time’ for food and beverage provision and service.
Quality Management
* To instil a sense of pride in the catering team for the job they do and the organisation they work for.
* To ensure a professional appearance of all catering staff and self in accordance with uniform standards.
* To understand the dietary requirements of all customers and visitors and to have systems and procedures in place to ensure this information is up to date and correct.
* To choose suppliers and products that meet the quality standards required to deliver a high standard of food and beverage.
* To proactively manage relationships with suppliers to ensure good value, reliability and consistent quality.
* To ensure compliance with all relevant organisational, legal and financial procedures and policies in order to protect customers and employees and minimise risk and financial loss.
* To ensure health and safety of self, team and customers through best practice in all aspects of work and in line with Westward Care Health and Safety guidelines.
* To ensure all documentation is completed accurately and to the required standard within agreed timeframes.
Setting Standards
* To contribute to a set of standards for the food and beverage provision in agreement with the General Manager.
* To put in place systems and procedures to ensure that the quality of food and beverage provision is consistent throughout the day and week and meets the high standards agreed.
* To ensure the standards for food and beverage are implemented and reinforced through the satisfactory training of teams and individuals at all stages of the employee lifecycle.
Managing the Team
* To ensure effective implementation of the Westward Care Performance Management Policy.
* To have a full, stable and competent workforce to deliver the service at all times.
* To lead in a way that inspires and empowers individuals to be the best they can.
* To contribute to the development of others through the sharing of knowledge, skills and information to enhance the experience of the customer.
* To participate in training and development to meet mandatory requirements and identified needs.
* To manage the succession plan for the catering and waiting staff team to ensure all employees reach their potential.
Communication
* To provide relevant and timely information and feedback on food and beverage provision to the General Manager at agreed intervals and in an agreed format.
* To establish effective communication on all aspects of food and beverage provision with all Westward Care employees by participating in departmental and team meetings.
* To create an environment that encourages and values feedback on food and beverage provision from all employees, customers and visitors to Westward Care.
* To maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
Customer Service
* To delight the customer by exceeding their expectations in creative and fun ways. E.g. surprise treats, birthday meals, asking for favourite meals, seeking out someone’s favourite brand etc.
* To ensure standards are reinforced through the satisfactory training of teams and individuals at all stages of the employee lifecycle.
* To ensure that employees are engaged and motivated to anticipate customers’ needs and empowered to deliver them.
* To lead by example in all aspects of food and beverage provision and to be proactive in addressing issues identified by customers, employees and visitors to a satisfactory conclusion.
* To be proactive in getting customer feedback on food and beverage provision, identifying changes if required and to present a case for change to the General Manager.
* To create an ethos that anticipates customer needs and puts the customer first that is understood and adopted by all team members.
* To promote an understanding that internal customers are to be treated with the same respect and understanding as external customers.
Profitability and Growth
* To be responsible for budgeting and managing resources to deliver food and beverage to the required high standard.
* To communicate relevant targets and budgets to the team in a manner that empowers them to contribute to success.
* To agree, plan and resource the future needs of the business.
* To minimise waste and loss through good management practice, training and planning.
* To manage stock levels and date rotation effectively to ensure availability without excessive stock.
* To be proactive in reviewing suppliers and ensuring value for money.
* To manage portion size consistently and appropriate to the customer.
* To have excellent knowledge of Westward Cares services and facilities and to promote these at every opportunity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: :
The post holder will be expected to work when required to cover for sickness and holidays.
You will be required to work unsocial hours, weekends and Bank Holidays as necessary to meet the needs of the service. The service operates 24 hours per day, seven day per week and flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the service.
This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to reflect the range of duties that the post holder will perform. The job description will be regularly reviewed and may be changed in accordance with the needs of the home and organisation – in consultation with the post holder.
Level of DBS disclosure required: Enhanced
Skills Needed
About The Company
Passionate about making a difference
Here at Westward Care, we all share the same ambition – to deliver the very best care and support. It’s our aim to make a real difference, always prioritising health and happiness in everything we do. And with our on-going training and development, we’re always learning new ways of meeting the changing needs of older people.
Company Culture
Quality. We aim high when it comes to our care and our facilities. We settle for nothing short of excellence.
Respect. We give all our residents the freedom to live a full and active life, respecting their privacy and dignity, giving them the support they need to control their own lives.
Integrity. We take pride in our openness and honesty, keeping the promises we make to our residents and to each other – building confidence and trust.
Service. Customer Service defines everything about our approach to care and support. We always go the extra mile for our residents and their families.
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
Closing DateMonday 4th August, 2025