Chef

Orchard Care Homes Ltd.; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Recognition awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

DBS check

Job summary

Orchard Care Homes Ltd. is seeking a skilled Chef in Sunderland to plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals and supervise a kitchen team. You will manage food orders, stock levels and essential equipment, ensuring high hygiene standards in line with food safety guidelines.

You will tailor meals to individual dietary needs, support residents with balanced nutrition, and work with care staff. Training and development opportunities are provided within our portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and cooking meals that are nutritious and varied.
• Knowledge of HACCP, health & safety, COSHH and infection control.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team and supervise daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook meals appealing to residents’ preferences and dietary needs.
• Supervise kitchen staff and ensure timely daily meals.
• Order food and manage stock and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and ensure kitchen hygiene standards.
• Work with care staff to support residents with nutrition requirements.

Skills

Cooking and menu planning

Food safety HACCP

Team leadership

Stock management

Dietary knowledge

Allergen awareness

Job description

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