Cook/ Chef

Job Purpose

The Chef leads the care home's catering service, preparing and serving nutritious, high quality meals that meet residents' dietary needs and preferences. They ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food hygiene regulations, while maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation, and hospitality.

Must be able to cook Asian and English cuisine.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning: Work closely with residents, the Home Manager, and the kitchen team to create varied menus that meet individual dietary needs, preferences, and nutritional requirements.

Meal Preparation: Prepare, cook, and serve meals to a consistently high standard, ensuring excellent taste, presentation, and portion control.

Stock Control: Manage stock levels, place orders under the supervision of the manager, and ensure cost effective use of supplies.

Kitchen Management: Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment, following food hygiene and safety regulations at all times.

Equipment Care: Operate kitchen equipment safely, report faults immediately, and remove unsafe items from use.

Resident Welfare: Support the wellbeing of residents through safe, respectful, and person centred catering practices.

Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training, performance reviews, and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualification and Skills

Experience: Previous experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a care home or catering environment.

Culinary Skills: Strong cooking ability with confidence in preparing meals for diverse dietary needs, including special diets.

Organisation: Excellent planning, time management, and stock handling skills.

Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and equipment maintenance.

Values & Attitude: A compassionate, resident focused approach aligned with our values of Togetherness, Positivity, and Compassion.

Training Commitment: Willingness to complete relevant training, including food hygiene, health & safety, and dementia awareness.

About Midlands Care

At Midlands Care, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support within our group of care homes throughout the Midlands. Certified as Investors in People (2024), we pride ourselves on our commitment to nurturing both our residents and our team members. Our core values - Togetherness, Positivity, and Compassion - are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a warm and supportive environment for all. Our priorities are centred around Customer, Colleague, and Community, reflecting our holistic approach towards all.

We offer our employees a range of benefits designed to enhance their professional and personal lives:

Competitive rates of pay Robust pension scheme

Our very own Learning Academy, which offers comprehensive development programmes and clinical training.

Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 confidential helpline for you and your loved ones.

Exceptional working environment On site car parking Free uniform and badges Access to thousands of online and high street discounts

Support from a highly qualified management team dedicated to helping you succeed and grow in your role.

Proud promoters of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion agenda.

Join Midlands Care and become part of a team that values togetherness, maintains a positive attitude, and approaches every task with compassion.