Chef

Belong Limited; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid DBS check

Learning and development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Medicash healthcare scheme

Death in Service benefit

Pension scheme

Refer a Friend bonus

Blue Light Card

Subsidised Bistro meals

Access to village facilities

Job summary

Belong Limited in Newcastle-Under-Lyme is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare, cook and deliver high-quality meals for residents and visitors. You will maintain food hygiene standards, handle dietary requirements, manage stock, and support events across the village.

The role requires prior kitchen experience, strong organisation and excellent communication skills. Belong offers a supportive, not-for-profit environment with career development and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and allergen management.
• A passion for producing fresh, high-quality food.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• A positive and flexible approach to work.
• Understanding of the important role food plays in health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals using fresh ingredients.
• Ensure food is consistently nutritious, appetising and attractively presented.
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering services.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
• Cater for individual dietary, nutritional and allergen requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and support effective stock control.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
• Contribute to special events, celebrations and hospitality activities across the village.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and organisational policies.
• Help create a welcoming dining environment that customers enjoy returning to.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food hygiene & safety

Food preparation

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Adaptability

Job description

At Belong Newcastle-Under-Lyme, we provide support for life within a vibrant community where people can continue to enjoy their lifestyle, maintain their independence and feel a true sense of belonging. Our customers, families and colleagues work together to create meaningful experiences every day, making Belong a place that genuinely feels like home. We’re looking for a passionate and talented Chef to join our team and help deliver exceptional dining experiences for our customers, families and visitors.

What you will do

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals using fresh ingredients.
• Ensure food is consistently nutritious, appetising and attractively presented.
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering services.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
• Cater for individual dietary, nutritional and allergen requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and support effective stock control.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
• Contribute to special events, celebrations and hospitality activities across the village.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and organisational policies.
• Help create a welcoming dining environment that customers enjoy returning to.

You will be a skilled and enthusiastic Chef who takes pride in delivering excellent food and exceptional hospitality.

Requirements

• Previous experience working within a professional kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and allergen management.
• A passion for producing fresh, high-quality food.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• A positive and flexible approach to work.
• Understanding of the important role food plays in health, wellbeing and quality of life.

At Belong, we believe great food is at the heart of a thriving community. We are an innovative, not-for-profit organisation specialising in person-centred care for older people, including those living with dementia. As we continue to grow, there has never been a better time to join us.

Our approach puts relationships, dignity, independence and quality of life at the centre of everything we do. As a not-for-profit organisation, our focus is always on the people and communities we serve. Our hospitality teams are a vital part of village life, helping to create the warm, welcoming environment that makes Belong different.

What we offer

• £13.95 per hour.
• £27,202.50 per annum (based on 37.5 hours per week).
• Paid DBS check and paid induction.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Career progression opportunities across Belong.
• Medicash healthcare scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Death in Service benefit and auto-enrolment pension scheme.
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme.
• Blue Light Card membership.
• Subsidised Bistro meals.
• Access to village facilities and free Wi-Fi.
• A supportive, inclusive and values-led working environment.

Why join Belong Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a brand-new village and help shape a hospitality experience that customers genuinely look forward to every day. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values quality, creativity and exceptional customer service while making a meaningful difference to the lives of older people. Belonging starts here. Bring your culinary expertise. Share your passion for great food. Help create memorable dining experiences at Belong Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

Important information

We do not currently offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and relevant pre‑employment checks. Belong is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.