Chef/Cook - The Lodge

Elizabeth Finn Homes; Exeter; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group pension scheme

Subsidised meals while on duty

Long service awards

Career development opportunities

Employee wellbeing support

Job summary

The LodgeCare Home in Exeter is hiring an experienced Chef to prepare nutritious meals for residents under a planned production model. You will work an 37‑hour rota across 7 days, including every other weekend, with no late nights and a balanced schedule.

Elizabeth Finn Homes provides an attractive hourly rate of £16.35, a full-time contract, and a supportive environment focused on high-quality care and resident wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook in hospitality or catering.
• 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).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to menus and dietary needs.
• Ensure food meets high standards of quality, taste and presentation.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and health and safety compliance.
• Assist with menu planning and seasonal dishes.
• Monitor stock levels and help with ordering to reduce waste.
• Collaborate with catering staff and management for smooth operations.
• Adhere to food hygiene standards and company policies.

Skills

Proven Chef experience

HACCP knowledge

COSHH knowledge

IDDSI knowledge

10-hour shifts

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Job description

CQC Rating: Outstanding

Location: The Lodge, 22 Spicer Road, Exeter, EX1 1SY
Hourly Rate: £16.35 per hour
Contract: Full-time contract
Shifts: 37 hours over a 7 day rota, to include every other weekend
Elizabeth Finn is a leading care provider providing exceptional care throughout our eight prestigious care homes. Our company values are Bring Love, Inspire More, Act with Purpose and Welcome All.

Chef/cook - The LodgeCare Home

CQC Rating: Outstanding

Location: The Lodge, 22 Spicer Road, Exeter, EX1 1SY
Hourly Rate: £16.35 per hour
Contract: Full-time contract
Shifts: 37 hours over a 7 day rota, to include every other weekend
Elizabeth Finn is a leading care provider providing exceptional care throughout our eight prestigious care homes. Our company values are Bring Love, Inspire More, Act with Purpose and Welcome All.

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.

Application deadline is by Thursday 17 September 2026.

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

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 probation
• 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.