To lead the kitchen team in providing high‑quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of our Residents. The Head Cook is responsible for ensuring all food is prepared safely, hygienically, and in line with Hutchinson Care Homes’ Policies and Procedures, as well as compliance with Food Safety Legislation, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and COSHH Regulations 2002.
The Head Cook will oversee menu planning, stock control, kitchen cleanliness, and the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, ensuring high standards are consistently maintained.
About The Role
Main Duties
-
Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences are met.
-
Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served safely in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.
-
Maintain excellent standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
-
Oversee and support the kitchen team, ensuring duties are carried out effectively.
-
Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines and Resident needs.
-
Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor costs in line with budgets.
-
Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely.
-
Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen records as required.
-
Participate in audits and inspections, ensuring full compliance at all times.
-
Attend all required training sessions.
-
Carry out any additional duties as requested by management.
-
Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to support the home during busy or unexpected situations.
-
Promote good housekeeping and safe working practices within the kitchen.
-
Flexibility to work across multiple homes within the business to support staffing needs.
-
Administration Duties
-
Maintain up‑to‑date kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and stock sheets.
-
Report any equipment faults, hazards, or concerns to the Manager/Deputy Manager.
-
Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with company procedures.
-
General & Personal Development
-
Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
-
Organised, reliable, and trustworthy.
-
Pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.
-
Physically fit to carry out kitchen duties.
-
Ability to give clear instructions and constructive feedback.
-
Punctual, professional, and well‑presented.
-
Flexible approach to working patterns to meet the needs of the Care Home
-
Flexible approach to work including change of working patterns to suit the Care Home
Required Criteria
-
Excellent interpersonal Skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Knowledge of stock taking, ordering supplies, cleaning equipment and materials and COSHH
-
Desired Criteria
-
Enthusiastic and Professional
Demonstrate a positive attitude when carrying out your duties and be willing to put in an extra effort if an unexpected situation arrives
-
Skills Needed
About The Company
Hutchinson Care Homes is a family-owned provider of high-quality nursing and residential care across Northern Ireland. Founded on the values of caring, integrity, and safety, we offer a nurturing environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect. Our services include specialized nursing care, dementia care, residential living, respite stays and day care, all delivered by compassionate, professional staff. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable home where every resident feels valued and can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
Company Culture
Hutchinson Care Homes fosters a culture of compassion, integrity, and respect. We prioritise the well-being of both our residents and staff, creating a supportive environment built on teamwork and open communication. Our team members are dedicated professionals who embody our core values, providing not just care but a genuine sense of companionship and family. As a Gold Accredited Investors in People Employer, we truly believe in continuous learning and development and empowering our staff to deliver the highest standard of care. This commitment to a positive and nurturing culture ensures a safe, happy, and fulfilling workplace for our team and a loving home for our residents.
Company Benefits
Hutchinson Care Homes offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their professional development, health, and financial well-being. This includes extremely competitive pay, a company pension scheme, and a health cover plan*.
To support career growth, the company provides paid training and access to NVQ opportunities. Employees also receive practical benefits like a free uniform and free parking. As an employer with Investors in People Gold Accreditation, Hutchinson Care Homes is committed to rewarding its staff and creating a positive work environment.
Health insurance, Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, A diversity program, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Wellbeing Scheme
Salary
£14.40 per hour
