Cook

Easteden Ltd; Omagh; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay Rates

Rotas You Can Plan Your Life Around

Thursday Breakfast Is On Us

Perkbox App Access

Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

Easteden Care Group is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious, balanced meals and create person‑centred dining experiences for residents in our Northern Ireland homes. You will lead and support the kitchen team, ensure high hygiene and safety standards, and tailor meals to dietary needs while working alongside care, nursing and housekeeping teams.

We value passionate, organised individuals who prioritise resident wellbeing and a positive dining environment.

Job description

Join Easteden and be part of the moments that matter

At Easteden, we believe exceptional care starts with strong clinical leadership.

At Easteden, we know that mealtimes are about much more than food. They are opportunities for connection, comfort, choice and enjoyment that can make a real difference to someone's day.

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Cook to help create nutritious, enjoyable and person‑centred dining experiences for the people who live in our Homes.

If you take pride in preparing high‑quality meals and creating positive experiences through food, we would love to hear from you.

Easteden Care Group is a growing and values‑led organisation operating residential, nursing, dementia, mental health and complex care services across Northern Ireland. As we continue to grow, we are building teams who share our commitment to compassion, professionalism, teamwork and person‑centred care.

About the Role

As a Cook, you will lead and support the delivery of high‑quality catering services within the Home, ensuring residents receive nutritious, balanced and enjoyable meals tailored to their individual needs, preferences and dietary requirements.

You will play an important role in supporting resident wellbeing, dignity and quality of life through positive dining experiences while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, kitchen safety and professional catering practice.

Working closely with catering, care, nursing and wider Home teams, you will help create welcoming dining environments that promote choice, enjoyment and person‑centred care.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Resident Dining Experience

• Prepare, cook and present nutritious, balanced and appetising meals.
• Support positive dining experiences that promote wellbeing, dignity and choice.
• Respond appropriately to dietary requirements, allergies and texture‑modified diets.
• Contribute to menu planning and resident satisfaction initiatives.

Kitchen Operations & Team Support

• Support the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the kitchen environment.
• Supervise and support Catering Assistants where required.
• Work collaboratively with care, nursing, activities and housekeeping teams.
• Support special events, celebrations and themed dining experiences.

Food Safety, Compliance & Governance

• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness and safety.
• Follow HACCP, COSHH, infection prevention and food safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate records relating to food safety, temperatures and stock control.
• Support effective allergen management and regulatory compliance.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Standards

• Participate in mandatory training and professional development activities.
• Support service improvements and resident feedback initiatives.
• Promote high standards of professionalism and teamwork.
• Contribute positively to Easteden's culture of continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about food, nutrition and resident wellbeing
• Professional, organised and reliable
• Committed to delivering high‑quality dining experiences
• Able to work effectively within a busy team environment
• Positive, flexible and solution‑focused

Minimum two years' experience within catering, hospitality, healthcare or a professional kitchen environment is preferred, together with a good understanding of food hygiene, dietary requirements and safe food preparation practices.

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

Why Join Easteden

At Easteden, we believe great care starts with great people.

We are a growing, values‑led organisation shaping the future of care across Northern Ireland. We create homes where residents feel respected, and workplaces where our colleagues feel welcomed, appreciated, and empowered to succeed. Whether you are starting out or looking for your next step, Easteden is a place where you can learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference every day.

What You’ll Get:

Your Work-Life & Rewards

• Competitive Pay Rates: Competitive rates of pay with reliable and transparent pay arrangements.
• Rotas You Can Plan Your Life Around: Predictable, fair, forward‑planned rotations with shared weekends.
• Thursday Breakfast Is On Us: A freshly cooked hot breakfast made just for our staff every single week.
• Perkbox App Access: Free membership giving you high street discounts, online shopping deals and weekly treats.
• Employee Referral Bonus: Recommend great people and receive a referral reward when they successfully join the organisation.

Your Support & Well‑being

• A Team That Has Your Back: A genuinely friendly, welcoming culture where you are never left isolated
• A Voice That Shifts Things: Your ideas are heard, valued, and used to improve how our home runs
• Real Care for the Carers: Active mental health support and managers who prioritise your well‑being

Your Growth & Impact

• Fully Funded Training: Continuous learning and certifications to elevate your professional skill set
• Career Development Opportunities: Opportunities to develop your skills and progress within a growing organisation
• Work That Truly Matters: The freedom to create enjoyable dining experiences that support nutrition, wellbeing, dignity and quality of life for residents every day.

Additional Information

Previous applicants who have applied for a role within Easteden Care Group within the last six months are not required to reapply unless specifically advised otherwise.

Please note that Easteden Care Group is currently unable to consider applications requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship or visa sponsorship support for this role. Applicants must therefore already hold the full legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application.

Easteden Care Group is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and fairness in all aspects of recruitment and employment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Selection decisions are based solely on skills, experience, qualifications and suitability for the role.

Required Criteria

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience preparing and cooking meals within a catering, hospitality, healthcare or regulated environment.

Salary

£14.80 - £15.30 per hour