Head Chef

## Head Chef Opportunity at Richmond Villages Wood Norton: A Culinary Leadership Role with Excellent Benefits

Are you a passionate and experienced culinary professional seeking a leadership role where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of others? The position of Head Chef at Richmond Villages Wood Norton offers a unique opportunity to blend your culinary expertise with a commitment to enhancing resident well-being in a luxurious retirement living setting. This is more than just a kitchen management role; it's a chance to be at the forefront of creating exceptional dining experiences that contribute to a happy and healthy lifestyle for the residents.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out?

Several aspects of this Head Chef position at Richmond Villages Wood Norton are particularly attractive to career-minded individuals:

• Meaningful Impact: You will be directly contributing to the well-being of residents by providing high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. This role allows you to see the immediate positive impact of your work on individuals' daily lives.
• Diverse Culinary Environment: The role demands versatility, encompassing catering for a care home, serviced suites, a restaurant, spa dining, and special events. This multi-outlet experience is a distinct advantage and offers a dynamic and engaging work environment.
• Work-Life Balance: Bupa understands the importance of personal time. This role boasts no split shifts and a structured 48-hour week spread across 5 days, with shifts between 07:00 and 20:00 (including some weekends). This thoughtful scheduling aims to promote a healthy work-life balance, a crucial factor for many professionals.
• Generous Welcome Bonus: To welcome you to the team, a £1,000 welcome bonus is offered, providing an immediate financial incentive for joining Bupa Care Services. (Terms and conditions apply).
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond the competitive salary starting from £40,951pa, Bupa offers an impressive array of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. These include:
  • My Healthcare: 24/7 access to remote GP services, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
  • Annual Healthcare Allowance: Redeemable against a menu of Bupa healthcare products.
  • Free Meals on Shift: A practical and appreciated perk.
  • Generous Holiday Entitlement: 28 days of holiday to ensure you have ample time for rest and rejuvenation.
  • Long Service Rewards: Recognition and rewards for your commitment.
  • Interest-Free Travel Loan: To assist with the purchase of annual public transport season tickets.
  • Wagestream: Early access to up to 40% of your earned wages.
  • Competitive Pension Plans & Parental Leave: Support for your long-term financial security and family needs.
  • My Bupa Extras: Discounts at various retailers and access to wellbeing resources.
  • Sick Pay Scheme: Additional reassurance for frontline teams.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Bupa champions a culture where everyone can "Be you at Bupa." They actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path

When considering this role, here are some key points to reflect on for your career development:

• Leadership Development: This is a Head Chef position, requiring you to lead, mentor, and inspire a catering team. If you're looking to hone your management and leadership skills, this role provides an excellent platform.
• Menu Innovation and Dietary Expertise: The requirement to work with modified diets and ensure high-quality, nutritious meals across various outlets calls for creativity and a strong understanding of nutritional requirements and culinary techniques. This is an opportunity to expand your skillset in specialized catering.
• Financial Management: Taking responsibility for budgeting, ordering, and waste management is a core aspect of this role. This experience is invaluable for developing your financial acumen in a catering context.
• Collaboration and Communication: Working with other department heads and function organizers emphasizes the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills. This role will allow you to build cross-functional relationships within a supportive environment.
• Quality and Standards: Maintaining consistently high standards of food and service, even when working to a fixed budget, is a hallmark of a successful culinary leader. This role will challenge you to optimize resources while delivering excellence.
• Qualifications: While extensive experience is key, an NVQ Level 3 or an equivalent City & Guilds qualification is preferred. Having these qualifications will strengthen your application and demonstrate a solid foundation in culinary arts.

In summary, the Head Chef role at Richmond Villages Wood Norton is a compelling opportunity for a driven culinary professional. It offers a rewarding environment where you can lead a team, innovate in the kitchen, and make a significant contribution to the well-being of residents, all while enjoying a supportive work culture and an excellent benefits package. If you are ready to take the next step in your culinary career and be part of an organization that truly prioritizes making health happen, this position warrants your serious consideration.