Chef / Cook

Keane Premier Support Services South Lanarkshire; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent care home provider seeks a Chef / Cook to deliver high-quality meals tailored to residents' preferences while ensuring food safety standards. This role offers opportunities for growth, focusing on culinary creativity and strong team supervision. Ideal candidates will have a passion for enhancing residents' dining experiences.

Benefits

Early access to earnings with Wagestream

Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support

Free confidential counselling sessions

Gift cards and cinema savings through Salary Extras

High street discounts via Blue Light Card

Free mortgage consultation

Comprehensive induction and ongoing training

28 days’ holiday (pro rata)

Clear opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef / Cook, preferably in care, healthcare, or hospitality.
• Pastry and bakery experience is an advantage.
• Comfortable in all kitchen areas with fresh produce.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing nutritious menus catering to dietary needs.
• Prepare meals ensuring taste, presentation, and quality.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene regulations compliance.

Skills

Team supervision skills

Creative culinary skills

Organizational skills

Understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations

Knowledge of allergens and dietary needs

Compassionate towards residents

Education

Professional culinary qualifications

Job description

At Ryan Meadows, we are dedicated to ensuring that our Care Home Residents enjoy a special dining experience each day, with every plate thoughtfully prepared to bring joy, comfort, and satisfaction to their lives.

Job Summary:

We offer a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate Chef / Cook to support the Head Chef and oversee all kitchen areas, delivering high-quality “Restaurant” standard meals to our residents—without long weeks or split shifts.

Progression and growth opportunities are available—be a key member of our resident dining development plan.

This role requires a motivated and warm candidate to deliver an enjoyable dining experience for residents. You will assist in all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu development, food preparation, cooking, ordering, and maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

What do we offer in return for your motivation and outstanding work?

• Early access to earnings with Wagestream
• Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 support and helpline—access health checks, wellbeing tools, legal advice, and more
• Free confidential counselling sessions—up to 6 sessions via phone, online, or face-to-face
• Gift cards and cinema savings through Salary Extras
• High street discounts via Blue Light Card
• Free mortgage consultation with McCuster Mortgage Solutions
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training—including paid shadowing—to support your confidence and success
• 28 days’ holiday (pro rata) to rest and recharge
• Clear opportunities for career progression to help you reach your full potential

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with developing and implementing nutritious, well-balanced, and varied menus catering to residents' dietary needs and preferences
• Prepare meals to a high standard, ensuring taste, presentation, and quality
• Support and direct the kitchen team
• Maintain high standards in all food preparation stages, ensuring residents' well-being
• Ensure meals are cooked and served according to the menu
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety & Hygiene Regulations
• Maintain portion control to minimize waste
• Meet individual dietary requirements
• Keep systems and checks in place for a clean, safe, and organized environment
• Store food and items correctly
• Monitor stock levels, maintain effective stock rotation, and place orders as needed
• Deputize for the Head Chef when required

Food Safety and Hygiene:

• Regularly audit health and safety, food hygiene, and HACCP checks, completing documentation for inspections
• Ensure kitchen compliance with health and safety regulations
• Conduct inspections of practices, equipment, and storage areas

Resident and Staff Engagement:

• Engage with residents and staff to understand their dietary needs and feedback
• Collaborate with the care team to meet nutritional needs
• Communicate effectively across departments for smooth operations and satisfaction
• Show courtesy and respect to residents and relatives

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience as a Chef / Cook, preferably in care, healthcare, or hospitality
• Comfortable in all kitchen areas, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fresh produce
• Pastry and bakery experience is an advantage
• Professional culinary qualifications
• Knowledge of allergens, dietary needs, and nutrition for the elderly
• Strong team supervision skills
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations
• Creative culinary skills
• Organizational skills
• Compassionate, patient, and passionate about residents' well-being

Note: Due to certificate restrictions, candidates without an existing visa or right to work in the UK are unlikely to be suitable. *This position requires a PVG check and two references.*