Chef

Qualifications

**Required Skills and Experience:**

• Proven culinary expertise with advanced knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation
• Demonstrated experience in menu planning, development, and food costing
• Strong people skills with the ability to supervise, train, and motivate kitchen teams effectively
• Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and allergen management
• Experience in inventory management, supplier liaison, and cost control
• Proficiency with kitchen equipment and excellent knife skills
• Strong organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to work efficiently under pressure
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Experience in monitoring budgets and KPIs to ensure operational targets are met

**Desirable Skills:**

• Innovative approach to menu development and culinary creativity
• Experience in a corporate catering, hospitality, or food service environment
• Knowledge of diverse cuisines and dietary specialisms
• Experience in staff induction and appraisal processes
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

**Education and Certifications:**

• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering certification (or equivalent) – essential
• Relevant culinary qualification or apprenticeship (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent) – desirable
• First Aid at Work certification – desirable

Domain Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of food safety legislation and environmental compliance procedures
• Understanding of nutritional balance and healthy eating principles
• Familiarity with kitchen management systems and food service operations

Company Description

About Signature Dining

Signature Dining are a leading contract caterer working exclusively in the senior living sector. We provide high quality, bespoke catering services to a range of clients and pride ourselves on our personal approach and collaboration with our clients to meet the needs of our elderly diners. We are committed to serving nutritious, freshly prepared, home cooked meals using the finest quality seasonal ingredients, all presented with love and flair.

We are a vibrant team of passionate individuals, dedicated to providing the very best standard of service.

Signature Dining are committed to developing a genuinely inclusive workforce where we embrace the differences of all of our colleagues and celebrate diversity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, religion, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability status.

Signature Dining follow safer recruitment procedures. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and and enhanced DBS disclosure (the cost of which will be met by the employer)

Job Description

The Role

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced, creative and compassionate Chef to join our team in High Wycombe.

Available for an immediate start for the right candidate.

Working 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 with shifts allocated on a rota basis, £14.45 per hour, your responsibilities will be to:

• Prepare high quality meals using the finest fresh ingredients and presented with love and care
• Provide a breakfast, lunch and supper service for residents and their visitors
• Cook everything fresh, from scratch
• Report directly to the chef manager

As our Chef You Will...

• Be an experienced and creative chef
• Be confident and able to work independently
• Follow a set menu
• Have good communication skills
• Be passionate about producing fantastic food
• Be comfortable talking with residents and visitors
• Show compassion and care for residents and visitors, promoting our "never say no" ethos
• Be comfortable engaging with vulnerable adults and their relatives
• Have excellent interpersonal skills
• Have a natural passion for providing excellent food and customer service
• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1, 706/2 or equivalent
• Have completed Health & Safety and Food Safety Training

The Benefits of Working With Signature Dining

• Working with a fast growing, reputable caterer
• Structured career development opportunities
• Sociable working hours
• Refer a friend scheme
• 28 Days annual leave (pro rata)
• Pension scheme
• Free meals and refreshments whilst on duty
• Staff wellbeing programme and mental health support