Chef/Cook

Quinton House Nursing Home, Lower Quinton, Warwickshire; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Career progression within Holmwood/Hol

Friendly, supportive environment

Job summary

Quinton House & Gardens is seeking a dedicated Cook/Chef to join our kitchen team in Stratford upon Avon. You will prepare freshly cooked, nutritious meals tailored to each resident's dietary needs and preferences, working across the home with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

We offer 36 hours per week at £14.75 per hour, with shift patterns including weekends. You will help maintain high hygiene standards, support dietary and therapeutic diets, and contribute to an enjoyable dining

Qualifications

• Experience as a cook or chef, ideally in care homes, healthcare, hospitality, or large-scale catering.
• Solid understanding of food hygiene legislation, allergens and nutrition.
• Experience with IDDSI textures or willingness to be trained in IDDSI standards.
• Knowledge of HACCP procedures and safe food handling practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Cater to individual dietary requirements, allergies and cultural preferences.
• Follow IDDSI guidelines to provide texture-modified meals safely.
• Assist in planning varied, seasonal menus reflecting residents' preferences.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organisation and presentation to a high standard.
• Comply with Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety laws and keep kitchen records.

Skills

Cook/Chef experience

Food hygiene

IDDSI training

HACCP knowledge

Organisational skills

Team player

Flexibility

Job description

Job Description

About the Role

As a valued member of our kitchen team, you'll prepare freshly cooked, nutritious meals that are tailored to the individual dietary needs, preferences and nutritional requirements of our residents. Working closely with colleagues across the home, you'll help create an enjoyable dining experience that residents look forward to each day.

Contract: Full-Time

Hours: 36 hours per week

Shift Pattern: 3 days, 06:00 - 18:00

Hourly Rate: £14.75 per hour

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Cook or Chef, ideally within a care home, healthcare, hospitality or large-scale catering environment.
• A good understanding of food hygiene legislation, allergens and nutritional requirements.
• Experience of preparing IDDSI texture-modified meals, or a willingness to undertake training in IDDSI standards.
• Knowledge of HACCP procedures and safe food handling practices.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• A genuine passion for preparing high-quality, home-cooked meals that enhance residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life.
• A positive, reliable and flexible approach to work, including weekends and bank holidays as part of the rota.

Your Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of fresh, nutritious meals to a consistently high standard.
• Cater for individual dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences and therapeutic diets.
• Prepare meals and drinks in accordance with IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) standards, ensuring residents requiring texture-modified diets receive safe, appetising and nutritionally balanced meals.
• Assist in planning varied, seasonal menus that reflect residents' preferences while promoting balanced nutrition.
• Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently, maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation and food presentation.
• Comply with all Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety legislation and maintain accurate kitchen records.
• Monitor kitchen stock levels, place orders, rotate stock effectively and minimise food waste.
• Work collaboratively with care, nursing, housekeeping and management teams to ensure an outstanding dining experience for every resident.
• Support and encourage junior kitchen staff where appropriate, promoting a positive and professional team culture.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay from £14.75 per hour
• 36 contracted hours per week
• Consistent shift patterns
• Company pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Career progression within the Holmwood Holdings group
• A friendly, supportive and welcoming working environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives every single day

Why Join Us?

At Quinton House & Gardens, we're proud to provide exceptional, person-centred care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our kitchen is at the heart of daily life, creating meals that bring people together, encourage social interaction and provide comfort to our residents.

Whether you're preparing a traditional Sunday roast, baking a resident's favourite dessert, or carefully following IDDSI guidance to ensure safe dining for someone with swallowing difficulties, your skills will have a direct impact on our residents' happiness, dignity and wellbeing.

If you're looking for a rewarding culinary role where your work is genuinely appreciated and every meal makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Please ensure you can reliably commute to, or plan to relocate to, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 8RY before your start date.

Full Time Chef

Cook with Purpose. Make Every Meal Matter.

At Quinton House & Gardens, we know that mealtimes are about so much more than food. They provide comfort, create conversation, spark cherished memories, and play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our residents.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Cook/Chef to join our dedicated kitchen team. If you take pride in preparing delicious, nutritious meals and want a rewarding role where your work genuinely makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.