Chef / Cook

Hill Care; Thornaby-on-Tees; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Thornaby-on-Tees is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Manager to oversee food production and maintain high standards of cleanliness. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills and is a team player, with qualifications in food hygiene. This role offers ongoing training and a clear pathway to management positions, making it perfect for those looking to advance their career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

A clear route for progression into senior and management roles

Ongoing training and professional development

A supportive environment that recognises your contribution

The chance to work in a well-maintained, high-quality home environment

Qualifications

• A clear route for progression into senior and management roles.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Experience of Food Preparation for the relevant Client group.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve hot and cold meals.
• Liaise with the Home Manager on menu planning.
• Supervise and instruct Kitchen Staff Members.

Skills

Good communication skills

Team player

Ability to work on own initiative

Education

City & Guilds 706 - 1 & 2 or equivalent qualification

Basic Food / Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Description

Location: Mandale House Nursing Home, 136 Acklam Road, Thornaby

To organise and control the efficient and economic production of quality food within the allowed budget, whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with EHO regulations.

Responsibilities

Food Preparation

• Prepare, cook and serve hot and cold meals, as and when required.
• Provide for special dietary requirements where necessary, and take into account the preferences of individual Clients.

Communication

• Liaise with the Home Manager when planning / costing menus in order to provide a balanced nutritious diet, making the best use of available fresh foods.
• Arrange / participate in Staff and Client meetings as required.

Budgetary/Financial Control

• Maintain accurate records of food supplies, and freezer / fridge temperatures.
• Ensure stock rotation. Order stocks and check deliveries, and check and value stocks as required by the Home Manager.

Training And Development

• Supervise and instruct Kitchen Staff Members in the use of all equipment and hygiene procedures, giving help and guidance where appropriate.
• Conduct basic food hygiene training for all Care Staff involved in handling and delivery of food.
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.
• Attend mandatory training days/courses, on or off site, as and when required.

Health And Safety

• Ensure statutory Health and Safety standards in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Ensure all crockery and equipment is cleaned and stored appropriately, and that the overall cleaning of the kitchen area (and, where appropriate, the dining areas) is carried out effectively.
• Report immediately to the Home Manager, or Person in Charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a Client, colleague, self or another.
• Understand, and ensure the implementation of, the Care Centre’s Health and Safety policy, and Emergency and Fire procedures.
• Report to the Home Manager, or the Handyperson, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.
• Promote safe working practice in the Care Centre.
• Promote a positive personal / professional profile within the local community, ensuring the good reputation of the Care Centre at all times.
• Ensure that all information of confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties.
• Notify the Home Manager, or the Person in Charge, as soon as possible of your inability to report for duty, and also on your return to work from all periods of absence.
• Ensure the security of the Care Centre is maintained at all times.
• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures within the defined timescales.
• Ensure all equipment is clean and well maintained.
• Carry out any other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to you.

Company Information

Welcome to Hill Care. At Hill Care, we provide high-quality residential, nursing, and dementia care that’s tailored to the individual needs of each resident and their family. Our experienced, compassionate teams deliver personalised support in safe, comfortable, and homely surroundings. We promote dignity, choice, and independence, creating an environment where residents feel respected, supported and valued.

Why Join Hill Care? Choosing a care home is a significant decision—and so is choosing where you work. We understand the emotional impact that transition can have on families, and we’re here to offer the expertise, reassurance and personal support they need. By joining our team, you'll become part of a group that genuinely puts people first. Whether it’s residential, nursing, or dementia care, we focus on delivering the right support, at the right time, in the right way—and you’ll be central to that mission.

We’re proud of the difference we make every day. If you’re compassionate, dedicated, and ready to grow your career in a supportive environment, we’d love to welcome you to the Hill Care family.

Benefits

• A clear route for progression into senior and management roles
• Ongoing training and professional development
• A supportive environment that recognises your contribution
• The chance to work in a well-maintained, high-quality home environment

Required Criteria

• City & Guilds 706 - 1 & 2, or equivalent qualification (achieved or working towards)
• Basic Food / Hygiene Certificate
• Good communication skills
• Team player
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Satisfactory Police Check and check against the POVA List (where applicable)

Desired Criteria

• Intermediate Food / Hygiene Certificate
• Previous supervisory experience
• Experience of Food Preparation for the relevant Client group

Close Date: Friday 13th November, 2026

Contract Type: Full-time

Salary: £12.50 Hourly

This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.

Hill Care Ltd reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time, according to business needs. Any changes will be confirmed in writing. Please note that you share with Hill Care Ltd the responsibility for making suggestions to alter the scope of your duties and improve the effectiveness of your post.