Chef/Cook - The Lodge

Elizabeth Finn Homes; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime enhancements

Group pension scheme

Sick pay after 6 months

Care Friends rewards

Blue Light card discounts

Long service awards

Subsidised meals on duty

Apprenticeships and study support

Job summary

The Lodge Care Home in Exeter is seeking an experienced Chef to prepare nutritious meals reflecting residents' dietary needs. The role operates on a planned production model with an à la carte-style menu, offering creativity within seasonal dishes.

Shifts are 10 hours with alternate weekends; Elizabeth Finn Homes emphasizes work-life balance and supportive benefits for staff in a compassionate care environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook in hospitality or catering (care experience beneficial but not essential).
• Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and IDDSI, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work 10-hour shifts on a rota including alternate weekends.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene required (Level 3 desirable; training can be supported).
• Strong organisational skills with consistent attention to detail.
• A collaborative, resident-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with established menus and dietary requirements, including special diets and allergies.
• Ensure all food is prepared to high standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area following health and safety regulations.
• Assist with menu planning and contribute creative ideas for seasonal and resident-preferred dishes.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies to minimise waste.
• Work collaboratively with catering staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Adhere strictly to food hygiene standards and company policies at all times.

Skills

Chef experience

Catering

HACCP knowledge

COSHH knowledge

IDDSI knowledge

Food Hygiene Level 2

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

Food Hygiene Level 3 desirable

Job description

Chef/Cook - The Lodge Care Home

CQC Rating: Outstanding

Location: 22 Spicer Road, Exeter, EX1 1SY

Hourly Rate: £16.35 per hour

Contract: Full-time/ Permanent

Shifts: 10 hour shfit, alternate weekend working required.

Elizabeth Finn Homes do not currently provide sponsorship, but we welcome applications from those who have a right work in the UK.

Elizabeth Finn Homes is a leading provider of high-quality care for older people, renowned for delivering exceptional standards across our homes in the UK. We are committed to recruiting people from a variety of backgrounds with different lived experiences to ensure the environment for our colleagues and the offer to our residents is as considered and inclusive as possible. Our values guide us in how we work and push us to be a compassionate and caring care provider.

The Lodge is an elegant and characterful Victorian house, located on Spicer Road, close to the centre of Exeter. Offering outstanding levels of residential and nursing care and a warm welcome for all.

We are seeking an experienced Chef to create delicious, nutritious meals that reflect the preferences and dietary needs of our residents. Our kitchen operates on a planned production model—busy, well‑organised and never unpredictable. With an à la carte‑style menu, you’ll also have space to bring creativity to seasonal dishes.

And with no late nights, structured rotas and consistent hours, the role offers genuine work-life balance.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with established menus and dietary requirements, including special diets and allergies.
• Ensure all food is prepared to high standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area following health and safety regulations.
• Assist with menu planning and contribute creative ideas for seasonal and resident-preferred dishes.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies to minimise waste.
• Work collaboratively with catering staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Adhere strictly to food hygiene standards and company policies at all times.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook in hospitality or catering (care experience beneficial but not essential).
• Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and IDDSI, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work 10‑hour shifts on a rota including alternate weekends.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene required (Level 3 desirable; training can be supported).
• Strong organisational skills with consistent attention to detail.
• A collaborative, resident‑focused approach.

In return for the wonderful contribution our employees make we offer the following benefits:

• Enhances pay for family leave
• Overtime and bank holiday enhancements to pay
• Group pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay after 6 months service
• Wellbeing support through various initiatives including an employee assistance programme with free counselling and Mental Health First Aiders.
• Opportunity to earn rewards via Care Friends (refer a friend scheme) which you can cash in when you choose
• Free Blue Light card - provides members with thousands of amazing retail discounts
• Long service awards
• Subsidised meals while on duty
• Apprenticeships, continuous learning and development, professional development and study support opportunities

Safeguarding

In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment Elizabeth Finn Homes implement a range of procedures and actions including Police/Enhanced DBS Checks to ensure our employees, residents and everyone is safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. This is in line with our company values, which are Bring Love, Inspire More, Act with Purpose and Welcome All.

Criminal record checks

As this role involves a regulated activity, successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, with barred lists check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a person from working for us, this will depend on the circumstances and background of any record.

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Elizabeth Finn strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other’s differences.

Our ambition is to ensure equality and celebrate diversity, working together to create an inclusive workplace, which attracts, nurtures and retains the best people.