Chef/Cook (20hrs)

Highgate Care; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly workplace

Training opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Highgate Care is seeking a Chef/Cook for The Grange in Darlington. This permanent, part-time role (20 hours) focuses on planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs and preferences.

You will lead kitchen tasks, support the team, ensure HACCP compliance, and maintain a clean, safe cooking environment. The role offers a friendly workplace with training and real opportunities to make a meaningful impact on residents’ daily lives.

Qualifications

• Experience in care setting preferred.
• Ability to plan and supervise kitchen operations.
• Commitment to residents’ wellbeing and dignity.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to participate in meetings and training.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals that are nutritious and tailored to residents’ preferences and dietary needs.
• Provide guidance and support to the kitchen team to maintain a friendly, cooperative environment.
• Supervise and appraise kitchen staff; participate in recruitment for kitchen team.
• Interview applicants for kitchen vacancies and support induction and development.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements (HACCP, Health and Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health).
• Maintain cleaning schedules and ensure all kitchen areas are clean and hygienic.
• Manage stock orders and ensure fresh stock and proper stock rotation.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is safe and well-maintained; report faults promptly.
• Contribute to resident/relative meetings and monitor satisfaction with catering services.

Skills

Warm personality

Approachable

Organised

Creative

Team player

Job description

Job Description: Chef/Cook

Location: The Grange, Whinbush Way Darlington

Job Type: Permanent, Part Time 20hrs

Salary: £13.61

Sponsorship: Not currently available

Join Highgate Care - Where Kindness Is Key

At Highgate Care, kindness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s the foundation of everything we do. As a small and compassionate care group, we pride ourselves on offering truly person-centred care, where every resident is valued, supported, and able to thrive. We believe in celebrating individuality, promoting dignity and above all, living by our core value: Kindness Is Key.

We’re currently looking for an Chef/Cook to join the team at The Grange in Darlington If you’re someone who naturally brings warmth, energy and creativity wherever you go, and you love the idea of making each day meaningful for our residents, this could be the perfect role for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centres around residents’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, to follow Highgate Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from Head Office.
• To be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring that Highgate is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• Responsible for the supervision and appraisals of the Kitchen Team.
• Interview applicants for vacancies within the Kitchen Team.
• To understand and comply with statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health and Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, ensuring a safe environment within 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 foodstuff ensuring the highest quality expected within Highgate Care Home.
• Responsible for all kitchen equipment ensuring it is in full, safe working order, reporting any damage or faults to the Handyman and Home Manager and following up any appropriate action.
• To be an active member of the Highgate team, contribute to team meetings, and assist the Home Manager with the selection, interviewing, induction and on-going development of catering staff.
• To be understanding towards residents and their needs and attend resident/relative meetings. Regularly monitor and assess resident’s satisfaction with the catering service provided in their home, and respond accordingly and positively to ideas and feedback.

What We’re Looking For

• Warm, approachable, and brimming with positivity
• Organised, reliable, and confident in planning.
• Creative, enthusiastic, and able to motivate others
• Passionate about improving the lives of older people
• Willing to participate in Staff and Resident meetings as and when required
• Previous experience in a care setting is a bonus, but we’re just as interested in your personality and values

What We Offer

• A friendly, supportive, and welcoming workplace
• Real opportunities for ongoing training and career progression
• A chance to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day
• A valued role within a close-knit team that cares as much about each other as we do our residents