Chef

Kathryn Homes Ltd; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential care provider in Cookstown seeks a Second Chef to deliver high-quality meals without long shifts. The successful candidate will have experience in catering and knowledge of dietary requirements. Responsibilities include food preparation, compliance with safety regulations, and supervising in the absence of the Head Chef. Competitive pay of £14.38 per hour for a 40-hour week. Opportunities for career progression and various employee benefits included.

Benefits

28 days Paid Holiday

Weekly Pay

Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Scheme

Free Access NI Check and uniform

Opportunities to progress your career

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering high-quality meals.
• Ability to comply with food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain food preparation to highest standards.
• Ensure cooking and serving accordance with menu.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Monitor stock and maintain effective stock rotation.

Skills

Relevant experience within a catering environment

Understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Second Chef to join our Hospitality team. Working as a Second Chef at Kathryn Homes, you will have the chance to deliver hotel and restaurant standard meals, without the split shifts and long hours. We are looking for warm, motivated, and passionate Second Chefs who are driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person‑centred hospitality to our residents. Our Second Chefs support our Head Chefs and take the lead in their absence.

About you: The successful Second Chef will have relevant experience within a catering environment. You will have a secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and be able to implement methods to ensure these needs are met. You will also have your Food Hygiene Level 2, and ideally an NVQ Level 2.

About Kathryn Homes: At Kathryn Homes, we are passionate about providing professional, person‑centred, residential and nursing care to older people in Northern Ireland, including those living with dementia. Our commitment to delivering personalised care is at the core of our mission, as we strive to celebrate the lives of each and every one of our residents.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards, ensuring the well‑being of residents.
• Ensure cooking and serving of meals are in accordance with the menu and company requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.
• Ensure the quality of meals in terms of presentation and taste.
• Ensure portion control procedures are maintained, keeping waste to a minimum.
• Ensure individual dietary requirements are met (e.g. high‑calorie, low‑sugar) by following appropriate quantities, charts, recipes or adapting dishes if required.
• Ensure necessary systems and checks are maintained in order to provide a safe, healthy and efficient working environment.
• Ensure all food and other items are stored correctly.
• Monitor stock, maintain effective stock rotation and place orders where required.
• Deputise for the Head Chef where required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Relevant experience within a catering environment.
• Secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and ability to implement methods to ensure these needs are met.

Further Information

Location – Weavers House, 40 Moneymore Road, Cookstown.

Benefits of working with Kathryn Homes:

• 28 days Paid Holiday.
• Weekly Pay.
• Pension Scheme.
• Blue Light Card and access to various other discounts on travel, restaurants, days out and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Scheme that is also available to immediate family members.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Free Access NI Check and uniform.
• Funding and support towards obtaining NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Health and Social Care.
• Opportunities to progress your career within the company.
• Free, on‑site parking.
• Employee of the Month awards.

Salary – £14.38 per hour, Permanent, 40 hours per week, published date 18/12/2025, closing date 05/01/2026, worktime 5 days per week: Monday – Sunday, times to be confirmed.