About the Company
Barchester Healthcare is one of the UK’s leading independent care providers. We are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care to our residents in beautiful, well-maintained homes. Our mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of those we support, and this extends to the nutritious and delicious meals we serve daily.
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Care Home Cook to join our warm and welcoming team in Didcot. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in the daily lives of our residents, ensuring they receive well-balanced, appealing, and healthy meals. You’ll be working daytime hours, allowing for a good work-life balance while making a real impact in a supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook high-quality, nutritious meals for residents, considering a variety of dietary requirements and preferences.
- Ensure all meals are served on time, are well-presented, and meet the highest standards of taste and quality.
- Manage kitchen stock, place orders, and maintain efficient inventory control to minimise waste.
- Adhere strictly to all food hygiene and safety regulations (HACCP, COSHH) at all times.
- Maintain a clean, tidy, and organised kitchen environment.
- Work collaboratively with the care team to understand residents' individual needs and preferences.
- Assist in menu planning, offering creative ideas for seasonal and varied options.
- Monitor food portioning and presentation to ensure resident satisfaction.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a cook, ideally within a care home, hospital, or similar catering environment.
- Comprehensive understanding of dietary needs for older people and those with specific health conditions.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety certificate).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- A positive attitude and a passion for providing excellent food service.
- Good communication skills to interact with residents and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or Professional Cookery.
- Experience in managing kitchen budgets and ordering systems.
- Knowledge of menu planning software.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- NEST pension scheme.
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
- Free learning and development opportunities.
- Staff discounts on various high street brands.
- Referral bonus scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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