Bistro Chef based at The Fairways, Chippenham

Job Description

A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.

Location: The Fairways, Chippenham

Hours: 24.5 hours per week

Salary: £16.14 per hour 

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Care Home. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in supporting residents’ health, wellbeing and enjoyment of daily life through high-quality, nutritious meals.

As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals that meet residents’ dietary and nutritional needs, while respecting individual choice, dignity and cultural preferences. You will help maintain a safe, efficient and welcoming kitchen environment, in line with food safety legislation and MHA values.

What you will do

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for occasional events.

Plan menus with the Home Manager to ensure meals are balanced, appealing and meet individual dietary needs, including those of residents living with dementia.

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.

Manage food stocks and ordering, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to agreed budgets.

Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and food storage areas.

Supervise and support kitchen assistants and oversee others using the kitchen.

Assist with the induction and training of new kitchen staff.

Attend staff and resident meetings where appropriate.

About you

We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and passionate about delivering good-quality food and service for older people.

You will bring:

• Previous experience cooking in a care, hospitality, restaurant or pub environment.

Knowledge and understanding of food safety and HACCP principles.

The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues.

A flexible approach to work and willingness to work a 7-day rota.

Sensitivity to the needs of older people and a commitment to quality and customer-focused service.

Willingness to undertake further training and development as required.

Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent) are desirable but not essential.

Why join MHA?

You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering plays a central role in residents’ wellbeing, and your contribution will be valued and recognised.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).

A strong pension scheme and life assurance

Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable)

Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund

Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies

Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app

A full induction, ongoing training and clear development opportunities

Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the home

The Fairways care home in Chippenham

The Fairways is a friendly and values driven home where colleagues work together to provide high quality residential and dementia care. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with colleagues supporting one another to deliver the best possible experiences for residents.

Colleagues help promote dignity, independence and wellbeing, contributing to a calm and positive environment. MHA’s charitable foundations shape a culture of kindness, teamwork and continual development.

For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a supportive and people focused home, The Fairways offers opportunities to grow, develop skills and feel proud of the difference they make.

For more information about the home, please click here

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). xkybehq We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Recruitment Team.