Care Home Chef: Nutritious Meals & Special Diets

KPI Recruiting Ltd; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 20,664 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

KPI Recruiting Ltd is seeking a dedicated Care Home Chef to join a care home team in Bournemouth. You will prepare nutritious meals for residents, ensuring dietary needs are met and food safety standards are followed.

The role focuses on high-quality meals, portion control and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment in a respectful care setting.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef or Cook in catering.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Experience cooking for large groups or high-volume service.
• Understanding of nutrition requirements for older adults.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present fresh, nutritious meals for residents.
• Plan meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks per service schedule.
• Cater for dietary requirements including allergies and special diets.
• Ensure meals meet residents' preferences and safety standards.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, safety and HACCP compliance.
• Store foods and cleaning products safely and correctly.
• Follow Health & Safety policies and safeguarding procedures.

Skills

Chef/Cook

Food hygiene

High-volume catering

Nutrition for older people

Time management

Independent worker

Job description

Care Home Chef

Location: Bournemouth
Pay: £15.00 - £23.00 per hour

About the Role

Our client is looking for a passionate and reliable Chef/Cook to join their team within a care home setting in BH2.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking fresh, nutritious meals and understands the importance food plays in residents' wellbeing and daily experience. You will be responsible for preparing a variety of meals to a high standard while ensuring all dietary requirements, food safety procedures and quality standards are met.

The ideal candidate will have previous catering experience, a good understanding of food hygiene, and take pride in creating meals that residents enjoy.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present fresh, nutritious meals for residents.
• Plan and prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in line with the service schedule.
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including allergies, diabetic diets, vegetarian, vegan and texture-modified meals.
• Ensure meals are presented well and meet residents' preferences wherever possible.
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes and presentation standards.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen environment.
• Complete daily food safety checks, including temperature monitoring and kitchen records.
• Follow HACCP procedures and ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations.
• Store food, ingredients and cleaning products safely and correctly.
• Follow all company policies relating to Health & Safety, infection control and safeguarding.

Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience working as a Chef, Cook or within a catering environment.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and food safety standards.
• Experience preparing meals for larger groups or high-volume catering.
• Understanding of nutritional requirements for older people.
• Experience catering for specialist dietary needs and allergies.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively.
• The ability to work independently and remain calm under pressure.

INDHOS