Job Ref: AUR1656
Branch: Lostock Lodge
Location: Lostock Lodge, Preston
Contract type: Casual
Hours: Part Time
Hours per week: Bank hours - 0 hour contract
Posted date: 24/08/2026
Closing date: 24/09/2026
Are you passionate about cooking and creating nutritious, delicious meals?
Do you enjoy making a positive impact on people's lives through food and hospitality?
At Aurem Care, we understand that mealtimes are an important part of our residents' day. We're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Cook to join our kitchen team and help provide high-quality meals that support the wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in delivering nutritious, well-balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and service.
This is a rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to engage with residents, understand their preferences, and contribute to creating a positive dining experience.
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Supervise and support kitchen assistants and trainees, identifying any training needs.
- Prepare and cook nutritious meals to a high standard.
- Prepare special dietary meals in accordance with residents' care plans and nutritional requirements.
- Ensure excellent service delivery at all meal times.
- Complete and maintain all HACCP documentation accurately.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety.
- Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control.
- Assist with menu planning and development.
- Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.
- Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and stock control.
- Undertake the responsibilities of the Head Chef in their absence.
- Carry out any reasonable duties required to support the smooth running of the home.
To be successful in this role, you will:
- Have previous cooking experience, ideally within a care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environment.
- Have knowledge of nutritional requirements and special diets.
- Be confident with stock control, ordering, and food management procedures.
- Have a good understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
- Possess strong communication and organisational skills.
- Be able to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.
- Enjoy engaging with residents and supporting positive dining experiences.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Hold a Food Hygiene qualification (desirable).
- Contract Type: Bank, work as and when required, flexible working during weekdays and weekends
- Shifts starting from 7:00am
- Rate of Pay: £13 per hour
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts)
- Life insurance
- Free DBS check (subject to TCs)
- Free on-site parking
- Company pension scheme
- Wagestream – access earned wages before payday
- Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental wellbeing support
- Access to our e-learning platform, Hippo
- Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities
- Annual salary review
- A supportive organisation where people are valued, respected, and empowered
Important Note
Aurem Care is not a sponsoring organisation. All applicants must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure it independently.
Aurem Care is proud to have been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional care and support across our homes.
We believe our care homes should be happy homes, where residents feel valued, comfortable, and cared for, and where colleagues enjoy being part of a supportive and rewarding team.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do:
Diversity | Integrity | Fun | Committed | Connecting
If these values resonate with you and you're ready to make a difference then apply now and become a vital part of the Aurem Care family!
Lostock Lodge offers the highest quality care for residential and dementia clients. Residents enjoy personalised care and a varied range of stimulating social activities takes place each day. Lostock Lodge cares for clients with both Residential and Dementia needs in up to 32 ensuite rooms. Our staff are professionally qualified yet friendly and caring, a combination that ensures the highest standards of care for our residents. We pride ourselves on our friendly, homely atmosphere and we welcome visits from prospective clients. The Lodge is tastefully furnished and the décor is designed to be uplifting and is divided into several themed areas including seaside, countryside and street scenes as well as a bistro area. On a practical level we are of course equipped with all the facilities required to meet the needs of our residents. We have a varied programme of social activities designed both to stimulate and entertain.
