Posted 03 March, 2026 Doves Nest Nursing Home logo

Job details

  • Salary £13.15 per hour 13.15
  • Role Cook / Chef
  • Hours Full Time
  • Location Manchester, Greater Manchester

Job summary

Doves Nest Nursing Home is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Cook to join our friendly catering team. This is a permanent position working 8am – 6pm on a set shift pattern.
At Olea Care Group, our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and able to grow. We invest in training, development, and recognition because we know our teams are central to delivering exceptional care.

About the Role
As part of our catering team, you will:
•    Prepare and serve nutritious, appetising meals in a timely manner
•    Present meals to a high standard
•    Work closely with care staff to understand and meet the dietary needs of our residents
•    Maintain a clean, safe, and well?organised kitchen environment

Qualities
•    Empathy and compassion — understanding the importance of food in residents’ wellbeing and dignity.
•    Patience and calmness — maintaining a positive attitude during busy or challenging moments.
•    Reliability — consistent attendance and commitment to delivering high?quality service.
•    Attention to detail — ensuring meals are presented well and meet individual dietary requirements.
•    Respect for diversity — valuing cultural, religious, and personal food preferences.
•    Commitment to safeguarding — recognising the role nutrition plays in resident safety and health.
•    Willingness to learn — openness to training, feedback, and continuous improvement.
•    Positive attitude — enthusiasm for creating enjoyable mealtime experiences.
•    Integrity — acting professionally and upholding confidentiality and care standards.
 

Why Join Olea Care Group?
•    Competitive rate of pay
•    Clear progression opportunities
•    Strong focus on staff development and training
•    Recognition awards
•    Loyalty rewards after 6 months
•    5.6 weeks annual leave
•    Christmas bank holiday enhancements
•    Free parking
•    Company pension
•    Health & wellbeing programme
•    Life insurance
•    Supportive, open?door management culture

Additional Information
•    The successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check.
•    Work location: In person at Doves Nest Nursing Home.

Skills / Qualifications:

  • Skills • Food preparation and cooking — ability to produce nutritious
  • well?balanced meals to a high standard. • Menu planning — understanding of dietary needs
  • texture?modified diets
  • allergies
  • and cultural preferences. • Food safety and hygiene — strong knowledge of HACCP
  • infection control
  • and safe kitchen practices. • Time management — ability to prepare and serve meals on schedule
  • especially during busy periods. • Communication skills — effective liaison with care staff to understand residents’ needs and preferences. • Organisation — maintaining a clean
  • safe
  • and well?structured kitchen environment. • Record keeping — completing temperature logs
  • stock checks
  • and compliance documentation accurately. • Adaptability — adjusting menus or meal plans quickly based on resident needs or stock availability. • Teamwork — working collaboratively with the wider care team to support a smooth service.