We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and reliable Cook to join and support our existing kitchen team on a flexible, zero-hours basis.
The successful candidate will have a passion for preparing delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals that residents can genuinely look forward to. You will understand the importance of catering for individual dietary requirements, allergies, personal preferences and cultural needs within a nursing and residential care environment.
Key responsibilities
- Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious and well-presented home-cooked meals.
- Following planned menus while contributing ideas for varied and enjoyable dishes.
- Catering for residents with allergies, special diets and individual nutritional needs.
- Preparing texture-modified food and thickened drinks in accordance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework.
- Following food safety, hygiene, infection-control and allergen-management procedures.
- Maintaining a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen.
- Monitoring food temperatures, stock levels and food waste.
- Working closely with the kitchen and care teams to understand residents’ changing needs and preferences.
- Providing cover for holidays, sickness and other staffing requirements.
About you
You will:
- Have experience preparing traditional, high-quality home-cooked meals.
- Take pride in providing residents with enjoyable and nutritious food.
- Have an understanding of IDDSI, texture-modified diets and special dietary requirements—or be willing to complete the necessary training.
- Understand food hygiene, allergens and safe food-handling practices.
- Be dependable, organised and able to work calmly within a busy kitchen.
- Work well independently and as part of a supportive team.
- Be flexible and available to work shifts as required, including some weekends and bank holidays.
- Have a kind, respectful and person-centred approach.
Pay: £13.30 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ashford TN24 8QG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
