Cook (Hospitality / Care Experience)

Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome)

40 hours per week to include alternate weekends

Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH

Do you want a fresh approach to food and dining? If you are a cook or chef from a hotel, restaurant or care background who takes pride in preparing high-quality, homemade food, this is an opportunity to bring your skills into a setting where food is at the heart of daily life.

At Willow Lodge, we operate a Household Model of Care, where people live in smaller, family style environments. Food is freshly prepared in the kitchen and cooked on each household. This is personal, and central to creating a warm and welcoming home as well as delivering a meaningful dining experience every day.

Role Overview

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, home cooked meals tailored to peoples' preferences and dietary needs. Working within the kitchen you will work alongside the Head Chef, you will help create a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting and enjoyable. You will play a key role in supporting wellbeing through food, ensuring meals are both high quality and suited to individual requirements, including modified diets in line with the IDDSI framework.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare fresh, homemade meals using quality ingredients
• Plan and deliver menus that reflect residents' preferences and nutritional needs
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including texture modified diets (IDDSI)
• Ensure food presentation enhances the overall dining experience
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
• Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation
• Work closely with care teams to support peoples' individual needs

Skills, Qualifications and Abilities

• Experience as a cook or chef in a hotel, restaurant or care setting
• A passion for producing wholesome, home style food
• Knowledge or willingness to learn the IDDSI framework
• Understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements, particularly in older people
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• A team focused approach with a positive and flexible attitude

The Company and Care Home

EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs-we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.

Willow Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2026. Our newly built 78 bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Willow Lodge.

Benefits of working at EQ Care

• day off for your birthday - start your celebrations early!
• Blue Light Discount Card - access exclusive savings and offers.
• 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) - enjoy a healthy work life balance.
• Salary advance scheme (Level) - access earned pay when you need it.Contributory pension - helping you plan for your future.
• Dedicated Learning & Development - continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• Team member rewards - recognising and celebrating your hard work.
• Free meals on shift - enjoy a meal on us while you work.
• Free tax review service - making sure you keep more of what you earn.
• Refer a friend scheme - earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)

Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.

This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice