Essential Requirements
We are looking for a friendly, reliable and positive Cook who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in preparing and serving good-quality meals for our elderly residents.
The following are particularly important for this role:
- A positive, caring and friendly attitude with a genuine interest in working with elderly residents.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a small, supportive kitchen team.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe food handling.
- Ability to follow recipes, preparation instructions and portion requirements accurately.
- Good organisation and attention to detail, particularly when preparing meals to scheduled serving times.
- Comfortable working in a busy kitchen environment while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Previous experience in a kitchen, food preparation or catering environment is preferred but not essential — training will be provided.
- Flexibility to work a few days per week, with additional hours potentially available for holiday cover or alternative duties.
This role is particularly suited to someone who is dependable, approachable, enjoys working with people and takes pride in providing quality meals and service.
About Rivendell Care Home
Rivendell Care Home provides a home for life for our elderly residents.
Food is an important part of daily life at Rivendell, and our kitchen team plays an essential role in ensuring residents enjoy nutritious, well-prepared meals in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
We are looking for a Cook who will bring a positive attitude, good teamwork and a genuine commitment to providing a high standard of food and service to our residents.
About the Role
As a Cook, you will support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, assisting with food preparation, cooking, portioning and serving meals to our residents.
You will work closely with the kitchen and care teams to ensure meals are prepared safely, on time and to the required standard.
This is a practical, hands-on role that would suit someone with previous kitchen experience, as well as someone looking to develop their skills in a caring environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook meals for residents in accordance with menus and required standards.
- Assist with food preparation, including chopping, assembling ingredients and portioning.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served on time and to the required quality standard.
- Follow all food safety, hygiene and safe food-handling procedures.
- Ensure food is stored, prepared and handled safely to prevent contamination.
- Maintain clean, organised and hygienic kitchen work areas.
- Correctly use, clean and store kitchen equipment.
- Assist with serving meals to residents in a friendly, respectful and courteous manner.
- Be attentive to residents' needs and contribute to a positive dining experience.
- Work collaboratively with kitchen and care staff.
- Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
- Help with general kitchen duties as required.
- Support the team with additional shifts or holiday cover where possible.
Experience & Skills
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience in food preparation, cooking, catering or a kitchen environment — desirable but not essential.
- Basic knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to work efficiently and calmly in a busy kitchen.
- A positive, energetic and can-do attitude.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- A friendly and respectful approach to elderly residents.
- Reliability and flexibility.
Full training can be provided for the right candidate.
Hours & Flexibility
This position would suit someone looking to work a few days per week.
Additional hours may be available through holiday cover or alternative duties, depending on operational requirements.
Who We Are Looking For
Above all, we are looking for someone who is friendly, dependable, positive and willing to be part of the team.
You do not need to have extensive culinary experience. What matters most is that you have a good attitude, take pride in your work, understand the importance of food safety and enjoy helping to create a pleasant mealtime experience for our residents.
If you are a reliable team player who enjoys cooking and would like to work in a caring environment, we would love to hear from you.
Please note: This role is not suitable for candidates seeking a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Pay: £12.71-£13.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Dunkeld PH8 0BL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
