Chef

Aurem Care Shared Services Limited; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

DBS check

On-site parking

Company pension

Job summary

Aurem Care is seeking a part-time Cook to join our kitchen team, delivering nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents and supporting high standards of food safety and service.

Working with the Head Chef in a care home setting, you will prepare meals, follow care plans and dietary requirements, supervise assistants, manage stock, and contribute to a positive dining experience for residents daily.

Qualifications

• Experience in care, healthcare, hospitality or catering environments preferred.
• Knowledge of nutritional requirements and special diets.
• Stock control, ordering and food management procedures.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure.
• Enjoy engaging with residents and supporting dining experiences.
• Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Food Hygiene qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Supervise and support kitchen assistants and trainees, identify training needs.
• Prepare and cook nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Prepare special dietary meals per residents' care plans and nutrition requirements.
• Ensure excellent service delivery at meal times.
• Complete and maintain 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 equipment faults or maintenance promptly.
• Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Undertake Head Chef responsibilities in their absence.
• Carry out duties to support smooth running of the home.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutritional requirements knowledge

Stock control

Food safety

Communication

Organisation

Teamwork

Prioritisation

Resident engagement

Education

Food Hygiene qualification

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

• Part time contract
• 30 hours per week
• Shifts starting from 7:00am
• Weekday and alternate weekend working required

Benefits

• Rate of Pay: £16.50 per hour
• 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