Albemarle Rest Home Job Description – Cook
Position: Cook
Responsible to: Registered Manager and Directors.
Purpose of position: We are looking for someone to join our small and friendly team as Cook for our residents. You must be reliable and fully competent in all aspects of kitchen duties and be able to cook to a variety of menus, including catering for special dietary needs (training provided if required), whilst not exceeding the budget.
Wage:
- £12.21 per hour.
- Annual bonus paid after qualifying period based on personal performance and attendance throughout the year.
Hours:
- Full time up to 37.5 hours per week, but can be flexible as long as the core hours are covered.
- School hours considered for the right candidate
Desired qualification:
- Ideally you would already have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. However training will be provided if you do not possess this currently.
- You will also show a willingness to participate in continuous improvement and vocational training programmes.
- Training will be provided for suitable candidates.
Main Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and serve meals chosen by the residents from the menu for the day, using stock as required as economically as possible, whilst maintaining the quality without undue shortages or excesses
- Liaise with chosen suppliers on ordering the required stock whilst maintaining the budget.
- To document daily menus.
- Store all food safely. Rotate stock and check ‘use by’ dates regularly.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is kept clean and ready for use and ensure that all cleaning rotas are completed and documented.
- Assist the Registered Manager in the resolution of any residents’ catering complaints.
- To be aware of risks to the Service Users from the kitchen equipment.
- Comply with company policy and procedure in relation to infection control and prevention.
General
We are seeking a friendly and dependable Cook to join our team at a 23-bed residential care home, preparing traditional home-cooked meals for our elderly residents.
This is a hands-on, practical role suited to someone who enjoys cooking wholesome, comforting food — think meat and two veg, hearty stews, and classic puddings and cakes— rather than fine dining or fast-paced restaurant service. Our residents value consistency, familiarity, and flavour, and we aim to provide meals that feel like home.
The position offers a calmer kitchen environment, ideal for someone who enjoys cooking with care and attention rather than high-volume service. Hours are likely to suit someone looking for work, we would consider flexibility, including within school-time hours, with no late nights.
This role may not suit someone looking to progress into a high-end or fast-paced chef career, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day through good, honest food.
Communication:
- Attend staff meetings as required.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times in relation to the relevant data protection legislation.
- Develop and maintain a good rapport with Service Users, relatives and be polite and courteous to all visitors. When answering the telephone, ensure professionalism and any messages taken are dealt with effectively.
- Maintain appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Ensure safe use of equipment and report any defects to the Person in Charge.
- Report incidents involving Service Users, staff, or visitors immediately to the Person in Charge
- Understand the importance of correct record management and own personal responsibilities in maintaining this through passwords, storage of documentation, and sharing information (both paper based or on electronic systems).
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
- Self-motivated.
- Organised.
- Flexible.
- Caring.
- Sensitive to the needs of others and to the sick or infirm.
- An active team player but also able to work on own initiative.
- Have good communication skills.
- Understand and have empathy with older people.
- Be able to take a lead where needed and also be a team player.
- Required to work in a physically and mentally demanding environment.
Experience
- Able to demonstrate an ability to manage pressure, prioritise tasks and communicate effectively at all levels.
- Genuine interest in working in a care environment.
- Traditional, comforting meals for older adults
- Great for someone who enjoys cooking and cares about people
All staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all matters they might learn in the course of their employment. All staff are expected to respect the requirements under the Data Protection Act 1988. All staff must ensure they are aware of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
To apply, please enclose a copy of your CV,
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leamington Spa CV32 6JW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Cooking: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate (desired) (preferred)
Work Location: In person
