Care Home Kitchen Leader & Menu Planner

Beaumont-Care-Homes; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Beaumont in Belfast hosts a Cook Manager role focused on delivering high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. The post-holder will lead a kitchen team, plan menus, manage budgets, and ensure food safety and hygiene across all operations.

Responsibilities include engaging with residents and families, maintaining stock, and ensuring presentation meets standards, while driving continuous improvement in resident experience.

Qualifications

• Chef qualification and at least 2 years’ experience as a Chef or Cook.
• Knowledge of nutrition for elderly residents and dietary requirements.
• Food Hygiene Certificate and HACCP awareness.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Ability to plan weekly menus and manage budgets.
• Experience in stock control, ordering and food safety compliance.
• Excellent time management and ability to work unsupervised.
• Commitment to quality and resident-focused service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate kitchen team to deliver first-class catering.
• Understand residents' nutritional needs and choices.
• Prepare menus in consultation with Home Manager and residents.
• Plan and deliver four weekly menus with substitutions as needed.
• Manage catering budget within agreed limits.
• Ensure high hygiene standards and safe kitchen operations.
• Oversee stock, orders, and stock records.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management (Kitchen)

Stock Management

Planning and Preparing Menus

Compiling and placing orders

Special dietary requirements

Time management

Budget Management

Equipment Management

Food & Kitchen Presentation

Continuous Personal Development

Good interpersonal skills

Coordination / multitasking

Education

Chef Qualification

Food Hygiene Certificate

Nutrition Science for the elderly

HACCP Documentation

RIDDOR Awareness

Job description

Beaumont in Belfast hosts a Cook Manager role focused on delivering high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. The post-holder will lead a kitchen team, plan menus, manage budgets, and ensure food safety and hygiene across all operations.

Responsibilities include engaging with residents and families, maintaining stock, and ensuring presentation meets standards, while driving continuous improvement in resident experience.