Chef

Orchard Care Homes; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DBS check funded

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Orchard Care Homes in Sunderland is seeking a Kitchen Chef to lead daily meal preparation for our care home residents. You will supervise a small kitchen team, manage stock and orders, and ensure meals meet nutritional and dietary needs while following safety guidelines.

Based at Archers Court Nursing Care Home, the role offers training, development, and a supportive working environment. This vital position emphasizes quality, safety, and resident-focused service in a friendly home setting.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and cooking meals for care home residents.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team and manage orders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals tailored to residents' needs and preferences.
• Supervise the kitchen team and oversee food orders and stock levels.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and ensure compliance with HACCP and safety guidelines.
• Ensure timely delivery of daily meals and proper equipment maintenance.
• Support Home Manager and care staff to provide high-quality dining experiences.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Leadership

Dietary requirements

Job description

Chef

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Brief Description

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

Chef

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Location: Archers Court Nursing Care Home - Archer Road, Farringdon, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR3 3DJ

Care Home Chef / Cook – 35 hrs per week

Rates of Pay: £14.83 per hour

Introduction to the role

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual.

Orchard Care Homes values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm.

Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment.

Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time.

This is a vital role in all our homes.

What You'll Be Doing

• To plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centres around the individuals’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, to follow Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• To be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• To understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements which are relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.
• Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean. This will include the washing up of pots, pans and dishes when required.
• Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is taking place to maintain optimum freshness of all foodstuffs ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home.

Desirable

• Knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens
• Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.

Everything You’ll Love

• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference’ award and Long Service Awards
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
• Fully funded DBS check

About Orchard Care Homes

Just north of the city of Sunderland Archers Court is a light and friendly nursing home, focusing on high quality care for older people, whom are living with dementia.

Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.

We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.