Head Chef / Cook, Care Home
Overview
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Cook or Chef to join our care home team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in home-cooked meal preparation, food safety and good kitchen organisation, with the ability to prepare nutritious, well-presented meals that residents enjoy.
As Cook / Chef, you will play an important role in supporting the daily life of the home by providing good-quality home cooking, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and helping to create a positive mealtime experience for residents, including those living with dementia.
Duties
Prepare and cook high-quality meals in line with agreed menus, residents’ preferences and dietary requirements.
Support menu planning and development, including the use of seasonal ingredients and resident feedback.
Ensure meals are nutritious, well presented and suitable for residents with different needs, including allergies, modified diets and specialist dietary requirements.
Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained.
Maintain kitchen records, including fridge and freezer temperatures, cleaning schedules, stock control and food safety checks.
Manage stock, support ordering and minimise waste through effective planning and food preparation.
Work with kitchen staff and the wider care team to ensure meals are served on time at breakfast, lunch and tea.
Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen, ensuring equipment is cleaned, stored and used correctly.
Support and mentor kitchen assistants where required.
Engage with residents in a friendly and approachable way to understand their preferences and support menu improvement.
Experience
Previous experience as a Cook, Chef or in a similar catering role is required.
Experience within a care home, school meals or similar setting is desirable.
Good knowledge of food safety, food hygiene and safe food preparation practices is desirable.
Good practical cooking skills, with the ability to prepare varied, nutritious and enjoyable meals.
Ability to cater for a range of dietary needs, allergies and resident preferences.
A culinary qualification or relevant food hygiene training is preferred, although not essential where the candidate has strong practical experience.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised, caring and approachable. The successful candidate should take pride in good home cooking, understand the importance of mealtimes in a care home, and be able to work positively with residents, kitchen staff, care staff and the Home Manager.
If you are passionate about cooking and helping residents, including those living with dementia, to enjoy good food and positive mealtime experiences, we would like to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,160.00-£36,192.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- North Somerset BS23 2RN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you hold L3 Food Hygiene?
Experience:
- Care Home Chef: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person
