Chef/Cook - The Lodge

EFHL; Exeter; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime and bank holiday enhancements

Family leave pay enhancements

Staff meals on duty

Wellbeing support and EAP

Job summary

Elizabeth Finn Homes is seeking an experienced Chef to create delicious, nutritious meals for residents at The Lodge, Exeter. The role operates on a planned production model with an à la carte-style menu, offering opportunities to bring creativity to seasonal dishes and accommodate individual dietary needs.

The position offers a structured rota with no late nights, promoting a genuine work–life balance. Responsibilities include meal preparation to high standards, menu planning support, stock

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.

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

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Job description

Location: 22 Spicer Road, Exeter, EX1 1SY

Hourly Rate: £16.35 per hour

Contract: Full-time/ Permanent

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 colleaguesand 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 preferencesand 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.

For more information on working in our team or to have an informal visit please contact Tony Howard on 01392 271663.

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

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.