Cook

Nazareth Care Ireland; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 hours per week

Overtime opportunities

Supportive environment

Training & development

Career progression

Impact on residents

Job summary

Nazareth House Care Village is seeking an experienced Cook to join our friendly catering team, delivering nutritious, home‑cooked meals to residents, staff and visitors, with pride in presentation and quality.

You will work with the Catering Manager to follow planned menus, accommodate dietary needs, support events, supervise Kitchen Assistants, and ensure food safety, HACCP compliance, and excellent service in a caring environment.

Qualifications

• Recognised Catering Qualification.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present meals to a consistently high standard.
• Follow planned menus while accommodating individual dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, and appropriately portioned.
• Prepare alternative meal options when required at short notice.
• Support the planning and development of varied and balanced menus.
• Assist with catering for special events and functions within the Care Village.
• Contribute to a positive dining experience for residents.
• Support nutritional care through the preparation of specialist and fortified diets.
• Ensure dietary requirements, allergies, and individual preferences are met.
• Engage respectfully with residents, relatives, and colleagues.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, allergen, and food safety regulations.

Job description

About The Role

At Nazareth House Care Village, we believe that great food plays an important role in the wellbeing, comfort, and quality of life of our residents. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Cook to join our friendly catering team and help deliver nutritious, home‑cooked meals to residents, staff, and visitors. This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys creating high‑quality meals, takes pride in food presentation, and is committed to delivering exceptional service within a caring environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Catering Manager to ensure that meals are prepared to the highest standards while meeting residents' individual dietary requirements and preferences. If you have experience in catering, hospitality, or restaurant environments and are looking for a rewarding role where your work makes a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Permanent position with 40 contracted hours per week
• Overtime opportunities available
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities
• The chance to make a positive impact on the lives of older people

Reporting To: Catering Manager / Assistant Catering Manager

Accountable To: General Manager

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and present meals to a consistently high standard.
• Follow planned menus while accommodating individual dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, and appropriately portioned.
• Prepare alternative meal options when required at short notice.
• Support the planning and development of varied and balanced menus.
• Assist with catering for special events and functions within the Care Village.

Resident Wellbeing

• Contribute to a positive dining experience for residents.
• Support nutritional care through the preparation of specialist and fortified diets.
• Ensure dietary requirements, allergies, and individual preferences are met.
• Engage respectfully with residents, relatives, and colleagues.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, allergen, and food safety regulations.
• Monitor and record food, fridge, and freezer temperatures.
• Ensure food is stored, handled, and prepared safely.
• Complete all required food safety records accurately and on time.
• Support inspections by regulatory and statutory bodies.

Stock & Resource Management

• Monitor stock levels and rotate stock appropriately.
• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies within agreed budgets.
• Maintain accurate inventory records.
• Minimise waste and ensure efficient use of resources.

Kitchen Operations

• Ensure kitchen areas are clean, organised, and maintained to a high standard.
• Support cleaning schedules and sanitation processes.
• Maintain kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Supervise and support Catering Assistants where required.

Health & Safety

• Follow all Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, equipment faults, and hazards promptly.
• Participate in mandatory training, fire drills, and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Recognised Catering Qualification.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Cook within a catering, hospitality, or restaurant environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong food preparation, cooking, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of food safety legislation and HACCP requirements.
• Knowledge of food allergens and special dietary requirements.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment.
• High standard of customer service.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within a Nursing Home, Residential Care Home, Healthcare, or similar setting.
• Knowledge of the IDDSI Framework.
• Knowledge of food fortification and therapeutic diets.
• Experience preparing meals for older people.
• GCSE English (Grade A-C) or equivalent.

Our Values

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Compassion and respect for older people
• Honesty and integrity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Reliability and professionalism
• Commitment to continuous learning and development
• A genuine desire to provide exceptional service