Charles Lodge Care Home is looking for a passionate and experienced Full-Time Chef to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing fresh, home-cooked meals and daily baking to make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
Key Responsibilities:
* Prepare nutritious, well-balanced home-cooked meals tailored to residents' needs and preferences.
* Bake fresh goods daily to contribute to snacks and treats for residents.
* Prepare fresh fruit daily, portioning into individual pots for snacks.
* Cater for residents with specialised dietary requirements, including Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) modified diets (e.g., texture-modified meals) and fortified diets to support nutritional needs.
* Work collaboratively with the other chef once a month to review menus, discuss what is working well, and make improvements.
* Place weekly food orders during your shifts to ensure stock levels are maintained.
* Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment in line with food safety and health & safety standards.
* Ensure accurate allergen awareness and dietary requirement records are kept and followed.
* Support themed days, celebrations, and special events with creative menu ideas.
* Manage stock rotation, waste control, and cost-effective use of ingredients.
* Carry out all other general care home chef duties as required.
About You:
* Previous experience as a chef/cook, ideally in a care home, school, or similar environment.
* Confident in catering for special diets (SLT, fortified, diabetic, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
* Passionate about fresh, wholesome cooking and baking.
* Able to work independently and as part of a small team.
* Good organisational skills with the ability to plan menus and order supplies.
* Knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety, and dietary requirements.
What We Offer:
* A supportive and friendly working environment.
* Regular rota pattern: 2 days on / 2 days off.
* The chance to use your cooking skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
If you are enthusiastic about cooking, enjoy baking, and want to bring comfort and joy to residents through freshly prepared meals, we would love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.70 per hour
Work Location: In person