Cook

The Orchard; Bolsover; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague discounts

Employee recognition

Making a Difference Award

Long Service Awards

EAP helpline

Pension scheme

DBS check

Job summary

The Orchard Care Homes is seeking an experienced Chef to plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. You will supervise a dedicated kitchen team, manage food orders and stock, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety across the kitchen.

Successful candidates will have HACCP and health & safety knowledge, care-home cooking experience preferred, and a passion for home-cooked meals that support residents’ wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience planning, preparing and cooking meals that suit individual dietary needs.
• Knowledge of HACCP, Health & Safety compliance.
• Experience in care home or similar setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals that are nutritious and appealing.
• Lead and support the kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Manage food orders, stock levels and keep equipment maintained.
• Ensure cleaning schedules meet Food Safety Manual requirements.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Food safety HACCP

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Job description

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual. Orchard values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm. Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment. Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time. This is a vital role in all our homes. What You'll Be Doing

• To plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centres around the individuals' preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, to follow Orchard Care Homes' Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• To be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• To understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements which are relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout 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 foodstuffs ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home. Knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens
• Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual's needs. It's true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Healthcare Group, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as
• 'Making a Difference" award and Long Service Awards
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that's fully confidential, through an
• Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that's available 24/7, all year round
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
• Fully funded DBS check
• About Orchard Care Homes For more than 15 years, Orchard Healthcare Group has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families. We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.