Most care home kitchens are thankless, rushed, and disconnected from the people eating the food. This one is different. Here, your cooking directly shapes residents' quality of life, and you'll work with a team that actually values what you do and invests in your growth
Every meal you prepare matters. In a warm, spacious nursing home where older adults receive round-the-clock care, your kitchen isn't a back-of-house afterthought - it's central to residents' wellbeing, dignity and daily joy. You'll cook nutritious, beautifully presented meals tailored to individual needs: diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, gluten-free, whatever each resident needs. You'll see the difference
You'll plan menus collaboratively, take resident feedback seriously, and adjust dishes to their preferences. You'll source seasonal and local ingredients where possible. You'll manage stock smartly, minimise waste, and keep accurate records. Most importantly, you'll talk to residents about what they love to eat, and you'll make it happen
This isn't a lone cook role. You'll supervise kitchen assistants, train junior staff, and collaborate closely with care home staff to time services perfectly and handle every special request. You'll be part of genuine team meetings where your ideas improve service delivery across the home
What you will be doing
- Plan and prepare daily nutritious, well-balanced meals according to the home's menus and each resident's individual dietary requirements and medical conditions
- Adapt recipes and portion sizes for residents with special dietary needs - diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free and others - without compromising on taste or presentation
- Collaborate with management to develop and review menus that reflect residents' preferences and incorporate seasonal, local produce where possible
- Maintain a clean, organised, safe kitchen that meets all food safety and health and safety regulations; check equipment regularly and report maintenance needs
- Monitor stock levels, order supplies cost-effectively, manage food waste, and keep accurate inventory records
- Engage with residents to understand their preferences, supervise and train kitchen assistants, and participate in staff meetings
Why you will love working here
- £16.00 per hour - competitive pay that reflects your skill and responsibility
- Employee of the Month recognition and long-term service awards celebrating your loyalty
- Blue Light Card discount access across thousands of retailers and services
- Professional development support so you grow your skills and knowledge throughout your time with us
- Refer a Friend scheme: earn rewards for bringing talented colleagues into the team
Is this you?
- Are you an experienced cook or chef who takes pride in nutritious, well-presented meals and genuinely enjoys adapting dishes to individual dietary needs?
- Do you have solid food safety and kitchen hygiene knowledge, and the discipline to maintain immaculate standards every single shift?
- Can you manage stock, control costs and minimise waste without cutting corners on quality?
- Are you a team player who enjoys mentoring junior staff and collaborating with care teams to make mealtimes special for residents?
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.