Culinary Lead
Reports to: The Registered Manager
Job Overview(Note: In addition to these functions, employees are required to carry out such duties as may reasonably be required)
Prepare menus and agree them with the service users and the manager, including any service user preferences, special diets and specific foods as needed
Prepare and serve all meals in a timely manner
Location: The service’s premises, but you are required to work from other locations at the discretion of the company and with appropriate notice.
Responsibilities and Duties of the Job
About the role
Role-specific Duties
The Chef’s/Cook’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Create duty rotas for catering staff, ensuring there are enough skilled staff on duty
Under the supervision of the manager, order enough supplies for the catering operation from specified suppliers using company procedures, and maintain strict control over costs
Operate an efficient stock control system
Ensure supplied equipment is used with care, in accordance with suppliers’ instructions and training
Ensure all equipment is in good working order and report any faults immediately. If any machine is felt to be dangerous, withdraw it from service immediately
Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of those individuals the service supports
Working with Others
Lead, motivate and direct staff
Under the supervision of the manager, carry out annual staff appraisals for catering staff
Other Duties
Other duties and responsibilities may include:
Assist in the recruitment of catering staff
Conduct staff supervision and personal development plans for catering staff
Induct new starters in accordance with company policy
Personal and Professional Development
Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth
Take responsibility for own professional development through performance and development reviews and undertake any relevant training
Specific Requirement for Qualifications
Vocational qualification/HNC/City & Guilds qualification in cookery
Qualifications in texture modified food
Qualifications in serving moulded food
Specific Requirement for Skills
Proficient writing skills
Ensure accurate, legible records are kept
Ensure compliance with statutory and company requirements on food hygiene, storage and temperature control
Budgetary skills
Ensure all catering ingredients and equipment are purchased within budgetary constraints
Manage waste effectively
Communication skills
Regularly seek feedback from people and plan changes according to feedback
Attend regular meetings to stay informed of expectations and views
Knowledge of texture modified diets
Specific Requirement for Previous Experience
Previous experience of working in a similar environment
Experience with texture modified diets
Experience of working with service users who have additional support needs
Budgetary experience
Previous experience of working in a supervisory role
Values-based Personal Qualities
Working Together
Involve service users, families, external agencies and colleagues
Speak up when things go wrong
Respect and Dignity
Understand person-centred care and demonstrate treating people as individuals and respecting choices
Promote independence and encourage appropriate risk taking
Everybody Counts
Ensure no one is discriminated against or excluded
Understand human rights and their impact on care delivery
Facilitate people to speak up about concerns and act upon them
Commitment to Quality of Care
Strive for quality in everything we do, recognising and understanding what quality in care means for people using the services
Be accepting about criticism and focus on improvement
Be open to new opportunities for learning and identify the limits of skills and knowledge
Compassion
Treat people with kindness
Understand the importance of empathy in all areas of employment
Understand the values of others and always provide a caring service
Improving Lives
Focus on how things could be done better and share ideas
Understand wellbeing and what is important to people using the service
Improve outcomes for people
Ensure appropriate services are provided for people using the services
What you will need
Required criteria
- Previous experience of working in a similar environment
- Experience with texture modified diets
- Previous experience of working in a supervisory role
- Budgetary experience
- Experience of working with service users who have additional support needs
- cook
- chef
Constantia Healthcare Group
Constantia Healthcare Group is a small yet robust organisation caring for people with age-related needs and complex care and support requirements. We ensure that the person we care for is at the centre of everything we do and, we ensure our colleagues are well supported, appreciated and invested in. At Constantia we want our organisation to work for the people we care for and our colleagues. We are an organisation that strives for excellence and accepts nothing less. We are continuously looking to invest in our services and in our teams.
Constantia Healthcare Group is a small yet robust organisation caring for people with age-related needs and complex care and support requirements. We ensure that the person we care for is at the centre of everything we do and, we ensure our colleagues are well supported, appreciated and invested in. At Constantia we want our organisation to work for the people we care for and our colleagues. We are an organisation that strives for excellence and accepts nothing less. We are continuously looking to invest in our services and in our teams.
Constantia Care’s culture is built on a foundation of compassion, dignity, and professional excellence. They believe in a person-centered approach, prioritizing each client's independence and well-being. This is achieved by fostering an environment of trust and open communication with clients, their families, and staff. The company invests heavily in its caregivers, providing ongoing training and 24/7 support. This commitment to making lives better—for both those they care for and those who provide the care—shapes every interaction and ensures a high standard of service.
Our benefits
Constantia Care provides caregivers with a comprehensive benefits package focused on both professional growth and personal well-being. They offer competitive pay based on the real living wage and continuous professional development through training. Staff are supported by a 24/7 helpline, free counselling, and mental health resources. Additional benefits include a special birthday treat, a paid day off for volunteering, exclusive employee discounts, and a workplace pension scheme. These perks reflect the company's commitment to valuing its team as much as its clients.
Vacation, Paid time off
Competitive salary
Employee Recognition Scheme
Culture of recognition
Culinary Lead
Constantia Healthcare Group is a small yet robust organisation caring for people with age-related needs and complex care and support requirements. We ensure that the person we care for is at the centre of everything we do and, we ensure our colleagues are well supported, appreciated and invested in. At Constantia we want our organisation to work for the people we care for and our colleagues. We are an organisation that strives for excellence and accepts nothing less. We are continuously looking to invest in our services and in our teams.