Experienced Chef

Job summary

Chef
Care Home Setting

Hours
Part-time or full-time. Hours to be agreed, including weekends on a rota basis.

Salary
Dependent on experience and qualifications.

Role summary
You are responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for residents, with a strong focus on presentation, taste, and dietary needs. You manage the kitchen day to day, including stock control, ordering, and food safety compliance.

Key responsibilities
• Prepare fresh, well-presented meals in line with residents’ dietary requirements, preferences, and care plans
• Follow modified diets where required, including soft, pureed, diabetic, fortified, and allergy-aware meals
• Plan menus in line with nutritional guidance for older people and care home standards
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen organisation
• Take full responsibility for stock control, ordering, deliveries, and minimising waste
• Monitor food budgets and work within agreed cost limits
• Maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen information
• Work closely with care staff to respond to residents’ changing needs and feedback
• Support special occasions and themed meals where required
• Comply with all food safety, health and safety, and infection control procedures

Experience and skills
• Previous experience as a chef or cook, ideally within a care or healthcare setting
• Strong understanding of dietary needs for older people
• High standards of food presentation and consistency
• Good organisational skills and ability to work independently
• Reliable, flexible, and able to manage workload without supervision
• Confident managing stock, suppliers, and ordering systems

Qualifications
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene (required or willingness to complete)
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Catering or equivalent (desirable)

Safeguarding and compliance
• Enhanced DBS check required
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within a care setting
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training