Chef

Aurem Care Shared Services Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rate of Pay: £14.28 per hour

28 days annual leave

Life insurance

Free DBS check

Free on-site parking

Company pension scheme

Wagestream earned wage access

Employee Assistance Programme

Hippo e-learning platform

Job summary

Aurem Care Shared Services Limited is seeking a Cook to join our kitchen team in our UK care homes. You will work with the Head Chef to deliver nutritious, well‑balanced meals while ensuring HACCP, hygiene and safety standards.

You will engage with residents, tailor meals to dietary needs, support stock control and menu planning, and help supervise kitchen assistants. This full‑time role offers 40 hours per week with early shifts and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Have previous cooking experience, ideally within a care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environment.
• Have knowledge of nutritional requirements and special diets.
• Be confident with stock control, ordering, and food management procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Supervise and support kitchen assistants and trainees, identifying any training needs.
• Prepare and cook nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Prepare special dietary meals in accordance with residents' care plans and nutritional requirements.
• Ensure excellent service delivery at all meal times.
• Complete and maintain all HACCP documentation accurately.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Assist with menu planning and development.
• Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.
• Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Undertake the responsibilities of the Head Chef in their absence.
• Carry out any reasonable duties required to support the smooth running of the home.

Skills

Cooking experience

Food safety awareness

Stock control knowledge

Communication skills

Team player

Job description

Make a Difference Through Great Food

Are you passionate about cooking and creating nutritious, delicious meals?

Do you enjoy making a positive impact on people's lives through food and hospitality?

At Aurem Care, we understand that mealtimes are an important part of our residents' day. We're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Cook to join our kitchen team and help provide high-quality meals that support the wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents.

About the Role

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in delivering nutritious, well-balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and service.

This is a rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to engage with residents, understand their preferences, and contribute to creating a positive dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Supervise and support kitchen assistants and trainees, identifying any training needs.
• Prepare and cook nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Prepare special dietary meals in accordance with residents' care plans and nutritional requirements.
• Ensure excellent service delivery at all meal times.
• Complete and maintain all HACCP documentation accurately.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Assist with menu planning and development.
• Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.
• Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Undertake the responsibilities of the Head Chef in their absence.
• Carry out any reasonable duties required to support the smooth running of the home.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have previous cooking experience, ideally within a care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environment.
• Have knowledge of nutritional requirements and special diets.
• Be confident with stock control, ordering, and food management procedures.
• Have a good understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Possess strong communication and organisational skills.
• Be able to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.
• Enjoy engaging with residents and supporting positive dining experiences.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Hold a Food Hygiene qualification (desirable).

Working Hours

• Full time contract
• 40 hours per week
• Shifts starting from 7:00am or 8:00 am
• Weekday and alternate weekend working required

Benefits

• Rate of Pay: £14.28 per hour (Equivalent to £29,702 per annum)
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts)
• Life insurance
• Free DBS check (subject to T&Cs)
• Free on-site parking
• Company pension scheme
• Wagestream - access earned wages before payday
• Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental wellbeing support
• Access to our e-learning platform, Hippo
• Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities
• Annual salary review
• A supportive organisation where people are valued, respected, and empowered

Important Note

Aurem Care is not a sponsoring organisation. All applicants must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure it independently.

Why Join Aurem Care?

Aurem Care is proud to have been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional care and support across our homes.

We believe our care homes should be happy homes, where residents feel valued, comfortable, and cared for, and where colleagues enjoy being part of a supportive and rewarding team.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

Diversity | Integrity | Fun | Committed | Connecting