Cook

Orchard Care Homes; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local care provider in Chesterfield is seeking a talented Cook to create nutritious and appealing meals for residents. You will lead the kitchen team, manage food orders, and ensure the highest standards of food safety. The ideal candidate should have experience in meal planning and knowledge of dietary needs. Benefits include training opportunities, a Blue Light Discount Card, and additional perks.

Benefits

Access to Blue Light Discount Card

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Free uniform and car parking

24/7 Employee Support Hub

Qualifications

• Knowledge in food allergens is beneficial.
• Experience in a catering role preferred.
• Able to follow food safety guidelines and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious and appealing meals.
• Supervise kitchen staff and manage food orders.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area.
• Monitor food stock levels for quality freshness.

Skills

Knowledge of texture-modified diets

Experience creating meal plans

Food safety compliance

Team leadership

Job description

Cook

Location: Cedar Park Drive, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6XP. (Also Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home –16 – 18 Tanhouse Road, Crosby, Thornton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L23 1UB)

Pay: £13.79 per hour. Closing date: 31 December 2025.

Introduction to the role

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual. Orchard Care Homes 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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals that are appealing, nutritious and centred around the individual's preferences, requests or special dietary requirements, following Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, making amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• Provide an active and encouraging environment, giving advice and guidance for the team to ensure the Care Home is friendly and supportive.
• Understand and comply with statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, the Care Standards Act, and Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures.
• Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet Food Safety Manual requirements and keep all kitchen areas immaculately clean, including washing up of pots, pans and dishes.
• Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers, maintain stock rotation to keep optimum freshness and quality.

Desirable

• Knowledge of texture-modified diets and food allergens.
• Experience creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.

Benefits

• Access to Blue Light Discount Card.
• Excellent training and progression opportunities, including career pathways.
• Recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony.
• Free uniform and car parking.
• Access to 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support.

About Orchard Care Homes

Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years, committed to the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would wish for our loved ones. We invest in employees’ professional development through training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences of service personnel and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.