Most care home kitchens are chaotic, understaffed, and nobody really listens to what residents actually want to eat. This role is different: you'll be cooking for a small, friendly home where your food genuinely matters to people's quality of life, and where the team actually values what you do. If you're a real cook who cares about nutrition and knows how to manage a kitchen properly, this could be the most rewarding role you've taken on
Picture this: you're planning seasonal menus with fresh, local produce. A resident who hasn't eaten properly in weeks finally clears their plate because you've adapted the recipe to their diabetic needs without making it taste like punishment. The care staff notice the difference immediately. That's the everyday reality here. You're not just filling trays; you're contributing to people's health, dignity and happiness
This is a small, purpose-built home in a beautiful Cotswolds market town, close to Oxford but with that quiet, settled feeling. The team actually knows each other, communicates properly, and respects the kitchen as the heart of the home. You'll work with care staff who see you as part of their mission, not an afterthought. There's real collaboration on dietary requests, real feedback from residents, and a genuine culture of doing things well
You'll get proper professional development support and long-term stability in a role built to last. This is permanent, full-time work with a team that looks after their people
What you will be doing
- Plan, prepare and cook daily meals to a high standard, adapting recipes for individual dietary needs including diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free and other medical requirements
- Collaborate with management on menu planning that reflects residents' preferences and nutritional needs, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients
- Maintain absolute food safety and hygiene standards in the kitchen, manage stock control and ordering to keep costs tight without compromising quality
- Engage directly with residents to understand what they actually want to eat, adjust menus based on their feedback, and explain ingredients and cooking methods when needed
- Supervise kitchen assistants or junior staff, mentor them, and participate in team meetings to help improve how the home operates
Why you will love working here
- £14.50 per hour, permanent full-time position with real job security
- Professional development support to keep your skills and knowledge current
- Long-term service awards and an Employee of the Month scheme that actually recognises good work
- Blue Light Card discount, plus a refer-a-friend scheme if you know other good people
- A small, friendly home where you'll genuinely know the residents and see the impact of what you cook every single day
Is this you?
- You're a cook who genuinely understands nutrition and dietary requirements, not someone just following a recipe card
- You have real kitchen experience and know your way around food safety, hygiene regulations, stock control and cost management
- You're someone who likes working with people and takes pride in knowing that your work directly improves someone's day
- You're organised, reliable, and comfortable taking responsibility for a busy kitchen without constant supervision
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.