At Ryan Meadows we are dedicated to ensuring that our Care Home Residents enjoy a special dining experience each day, with every plate thoughtfully prepared to bring joy, comfort, and satisfaction to their daily lives. Job Summary: A fantastic opportunty for an experienced and passionate Chef / Cook to support the Head Chef and oversee all areas of the kitchen, to deliver high quality Restaurant standard meals to our residents- without the long weeks or split shifts. Progression and growth opportunites available- be a key memebr of our resident dining development plan. This role requires a motivated and driven candidate with genuine warmth to deliver an enjoyable dining experience for our residents. You will assist in all aspects of kitchen operations including menu development, food preparation, cooking, ordering, and maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. What do we offer you in return for your motivation and outstanding work? Early access to a portion of your earnings with Wagestream Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 support and helpline access health checks, wellbeing tools, legal advice, and much more. Free confidential counselling sessions up to 6 Structured counselling sessions via phone, online or face-to-face. Gift card and cinema savings through Salary Extras. Exclusive high street discounts through the Blue Light Card. Free mortgage consultation with McCuster Mortgage Solutions. Comprehensive induction and ongoing training to support your confidence and success including paid shadowing and training to help you feel ready and supported from day one. 28 days holiday (pro rata) so you can rest and recharge. Clear opportunities to grow, with real career progression routes to help you reach your full potential. Key Responsibilities: Assist with the development and implementation of nutritious, well-balanced, and varied menus that cater to the dietary needs and preferences of residents. Prepare meals to a high standard, ensuring taste, presentation, and quality are consistently excellent. Support and direct the kitchen team Ensure that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well-being of residents. Ensure the cooking and serving of meals are in accordance with the menu. Ensure compliance with the Food Safety & Hygiene Regulations. Ensure portion control procedures are maintained ensuring waste is kept to a minimum. Ensure individual dietary requirements are met. Ensure the necessary systems and checks are maintained to provide a clean, safe, organised, healthy and efficient working environment. Ensure all food and other items are stored correctly. Monitor stock, maintain effective stock rotation and place orders where required. To deputise for the Head Chef where required. Food Safety and Hygiene: To regularly audit Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and HACCP checks ensuring all documentation is completed for due diligence and inspection by internal and external authorities. Complete any actions required in a timely fashion. Ensure the kitchen operates in compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards. Conduct regular inspections of kitchen practices, equipment, and storage areas. Resident and Staff Engagement: Engage with residents and staff to understand their dietary needs, preferences, and feedback. Work collaboratively with the care team to ensure that residents nutritional needs are met. Communicate effectively with other departments to ensure smooth operations and resident satisfaction. Always show courtesy and respect to residents and their relatives. Qualifications and Experience: Proven experience as a Chef / Cook, preferably in a care home, healthcare, or hospitality environment. Experienced and comfortable in all areas of the kitchen including the preparation and cooking of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Fresh Produce. Pastry and Bakery experience would be an advantage. Professional culinary qualifications. Knowledge of allergens, dietary needs and nutrition, particularly for elderly individuals. Good team supervision skills. Good understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations. Great culinary skills with a creative and innovative approach. Strong organizational skills. Compassionate and patient, with a genuine passion for improving the lives of residents. Due to restrictions on the number of certificates we can issue at present, candidates without an existing visa or right to work in the UK are unlikely to be suitable for the advertised post. *This position requires a PVG and two references* ADZN1_UKTJ