Care Home - Cook

Orchard Care Homes; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A care home provider in Chesterfield seeks a Cook to plan and prepare nutritious meals while supervising a kitchen team. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations while catering to individual meal needs. This role offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Blue Light Discount Card

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Recognition schemes and awards

Free uniform and car parking

24/7 Employee Support Hub

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking and meal preparation in a care setting.
• Understanding of food safety guidelines and regulations.
• Ability to create nutritious meals catering to individual dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare a variety of meals that cater to individual dietary preferences.
• Supervise the kitchen team to ensure a supportive working environment.
• Comply with Health & Safety and food safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen adhering to sanitary standards.
• Order and manage food stocks maintaining quality and freshness.

Skills

Knowledge of texture-modified diets

Knowledge of food allergens

Meal planning

Job description

Care Home - Cook

Location: Cedar Park Drive, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6XP

Contract: Full Time | Category: Kitchen | Closing Date: 31 December 2025 | Pay: £13.79 per hour

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home‑cooked meals for everyone.

Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment. Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time.

This is a vital role in all our homes. If you would like to know more or would like to visit our kitchens, please apply and a member of the team will be in touch.

Main Duties

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centred around the individual's preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements; follow Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• Be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• Understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, and all aspects of the Care Standards Act; have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.
• Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean, including washing up of pots, pans and dishes when required.
• Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is maintained to keep optimum freshness of all foodstuffs, ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home.

Desirable

• Knowledge of texture‑modified diets and food allergens.
• Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual's needs.

Benefits

• Access to Blue Light Discount Card.
• Excellent training and progression opportunities, from day one, with career pathways to enable you to grow and develop.
• Recognition schemes, such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony, recognising our dedicated staff team.
• Free uniform and car parking.
• Access to our 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support on personal and professional issues.

About Orchard Care Homes

The iconic castle‑topped town of Bolsover in Derbyshire is close to numerous vibrant surrounding town hubs, and is home to Millfield Nursing Home.

Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.

We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Looking for a rewarding career in care? Orchard Care Homes are recruiting now! Check out our latest vacancies here.