Job Title: Cook
Reports to: Care Home Manager
Job Purpose
To provide nutritious, well-balanced, and appetising meals that meet the dietary, cultural, and medical needs of residents, while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan, prepare, and cook meals in accordance with residents’ dietary requirements, preferences, and portion control guidelines.
* Ensure menus are varied, seasonal, and comply with nutritional standards for older adults.
* Prepare specialist diets (e.g. soft, diabetic, vegetarian, allergy-specific) as required.
* Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, food handling, and infection control in line with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.
* Monitor and record food storage, stock rotation, and temperature checks.
* Work within budget guidelines for food ordering and stock management.
* Ensure meals are served on time and presented to a high standard.
* Liaise with care staff to understand residents’ individual dietary needs and feedback on meal preferences.
* Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.
* Support with kitchen audits and inspections from external regulators (e.g. Environmental Health, CQC).
* Supervise and guide kitchen assistants (if applicable).
Person Specification
Essential:
* Previous experience as a Cook, preferably in a care home, hospital, or catering environment.
* Knowledge of dietary needs for older adults and ability to adapt menus accordingly.
* Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum).
* Good organisational and time management skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting residents’ health and wellbeing.