Head of Catering and Hospitality

Head of Catering and Hospitality - Regional 

Location: Based across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and London, with permanent base in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

Job type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Competitive  

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Come and make a difference with the team at Westgate Healthcare! #CareWithUsAtWestgate

Westgate Healthcare is an award-winning, family-run care home operator. We have 9 care homes across Bucks, Herts, Essex and London, with 2 further developments in the pipeline. All of our care homes are currently rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by our regulator, the CQC.

We are currently recruiting a Head of Catering and Hospitality to join our Head Office team on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will have good knowledge of infection control, hygiene and COSHH, promote a culture of great food and provide overall support to the Catering and Hospitality services across the group, enabling them to deliver quality performance.

Please be aware that a valid driving licence and access to your own car is essential to be considered for this position.

What’s in it for you?

Very competitive salaryGreat induction and on-going trainingCareer progression and support in achieving nationally recognised qualifications25 days annual leave, contributory pension scheme, long service awards and access to discounts from hundreds of nationwide high street and online stores through the Blue Light Card scheme

About the role:

Provide “hands-on” multi-site management, operational and developmental support to all homes across the group, enabling our Chefs to deliver quality performanceConsult with residents, their families and our care staff to ensure their choices are reflected in the foodservice offerCheck the quantity and quality of supplies and equipment in each home, placing and arranging orders when necessary  Ensure compliance with food safety regulations as set out by the EHO, HACCP, CQC and Allergen Regulations, and National Association of Care Catering (NACC) guidelinesOperate a regular cycle of spot checks and auditsProvide catering support to our team of Chefs, ensuring adherence to financial targets and budgetsAssist our Chefs to produce appetising, 4-week menu cycles, that change seasonally and provide nutritional meals that enhance resident wellbeingTrain our Chefs to produce special diets e.g. gluten free, vegetarian, cultural etc, appropriate to the client groupsTrain and enable Chefs to become skilled in producing attractive and appetising Texture Modified Foods in compliance with the International Dysphagia Diets Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI 2019)Introduce a system of succession planning to train and develop our Chefs and Kitchen AssistantsBe responsible for the selection and recruitment of Chefs and kitchen staffDevelop and manage a system of bank cover across the group, minimising agency useProvide advice, guidance and support for care home events catering e.g.; family dining, Christmas parties, fetes and special celebrationsBe a role model to all other staff working within the Catering and Hospitality departments

About you:

The right to live and work in the UK Clean driving licence and access to a vehicle for business usePrevious experience in similar position and setting is essential to be consideredRelevant practical experience working as a ChefA good understanding of nutritional needs of older people is desirable, however not essentialKnowledge of Health and Safety and regulatory requirementsCertificate in Food and Hygiene, intermediate or aboveA positive and flexible attitude towards work and the ability to work well in a team

If you want to make a difference to the lives of our elderly residents, apply today!

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we receive suitable applications, therefore, an early submission is encouraged. Due to a high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

WGHROB