Cook

Healthcare Ireland Group; Armagh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid annual leave

Uniforms and PPE provided

Free parking

Pension plan

Ongoing training

Job summary

Healthcare Ireland Group’s Orchard Lodge in Armagh is seeking an experienced Cook to work closely with the Chef, support menu planning, meal preparation and kitchen management while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This role delivers high‑quality, person‑centred dining for residents, meets dietary needs, and maintains a safe, cooperative working environment for the team.

The post is 27 hours per week with benefits including paid leave, uniform and PPE, free parking and ongoing

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as Cook in a kitchen environment.
• Hold a basic Food Safety certificate.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of dietary needs of elderly residents.

Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team with training and development.
• Plan, prepare and deliver all aspects of food preparation and cooking.
• Ensure operational standards are met and cost-effective stock management.
• Assist with menu development and dietary needs of residents.
• Undertake other duties as designated by the Home Manager.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Food Safety certificate

Job description

Are you an experienced Cook with a passion for food?

The Home

Orchard Lodge is a wonderfully positioned, purpose-built residential care and nursing home in Armagh. Our home benefits from views of the two local cathedrals and the surrounding city from most of the bedrooms, main lounges and all dining rooms.

Here at Orchard Lodge, we offer professional, person-centred residential and nursing care, as well as specialist care for those living with dementia. We are also registered to provide care for young people with physical disabilities.

All our private, light and spacious bedrooms are fully-furnished, with the benefit of en-suite facilities. Residents are very welcome to bring their own home accessories and furniture, to personalise their space and make it their home. Our facilities are designed to enable residents to be as independent as possible, with the assistance of 24 hour care.

Our kind and compassionate care and nursing teams are fully trained to provide reassuring, compassionate support, companionship and comfort, with the utmost dignity and respect, so that all residents feel safe and secure living in our lovely community.

The Role

The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Cook is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Cook works closely with the Chef, supporting with menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards.

The Cook has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high-quality, person-centred dining experiences.

This role is about a lot more than preparing meals, this role is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.

• 27 Hours/week

About The Role

Main Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team along with the Chef, providing the necessary training and support, encouraging development, motivation and best practice.
• Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking
• Ensuring operational standards comply
• Assist with monitoring the home’s catering budget
• Assist with developing and creating varied and interesting menus
• Ensure that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost-effective manner
• Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager.

The Benefits:

• Paid annual leave
• The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
• Continuous professional development and training
• Values-led culture
• Overtime available at an enhanced rate
• Opportunities for progression
• Pension plan (if applicable)
• Attractive hourly rate
• Access NI fee paid for
• Uniforms and PPE provided
• Monthly incentives and recognition awards
• Free parking

We do not offer sponsorship for this role .

Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Required Criteria

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as Cook in a food preparation/ kitchen environment or a similar role.
• Hold a basic Food Safety certificate.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of the dietary needs, nutritional and cultural requirements of elderly people.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Have basic knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.

Desired Criteria

• Experience in a care home or healthcare environment is desirable but not essential.

About The Company

We are passionate about providing the highest standards of care in safe, positive and flexible environments, which enable each person who uses our services to achieve their potential. We are committed to providing each employee with a fulfilling working environment, encouraging personal and professional development. We aim to be a first class, independent organisation delivering innovative, collaborative and value for money services.

Our ultimate purpose is to work with the people who use our services and their families and friends, to enable them to take control of their lives.

Company Culture

We're always on the look out for people who care, whether that's caring for our residents, or in one of our roles like laundry, kitchen, administration or maintenance.

Our passionate, ever-growing team means that you’ll be working with people who pride themselves on the work they do. Each of our Homes and our Head Office work together to achieve something excellent that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Caring for our residents is at the heart of all we do, and we'd love to have you join the team.

Company Benefits

Healthcare Ireland Group is not just a workplace; it's a community where your work has a purpose, and your contributions are valued.

If you're passionate about making a difference and are seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, we welcome you to explore opportunities with us and help continue our legacy of excellence in care .

Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Free parking, Competitive salary, Social Opportunities, Employee Recognition Scheme, Culture of recognition, On the job learning

Salary

£13.10 per hour