Cook

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

Job summary

A leading care home provider in West Yorkshire is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals and supervise kitchen staff. The role includes planning and cooking meals that cater to individual dietary needs while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This is an essential position contributing to the comfort and care of residents, with opportunities for training and career progression.

Benefits

Access to discounts via Blue Light Card

Free Uniform

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Access to Employee Support Hub

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking and preparing meals in a care home setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to manage kitchen staff and coordinate meal preparation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook a variety of meals tailored to individual preferences.
• Supervise a team in the kitchen and ensure safety regulations are followed.
• Manage food orders, stock levels, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Meal planning

Food hygiene knowledge

Supervisory skills

Knowledge of dietary needs

Job description

340 Leeds Road, Lofthouse, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF3 3QQ

Cook

Job Type: Permanent | Job Category: Kitchen

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Pay: £14.29 per hour

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Care Home Cook – 36hrs per week

£14.29ph

Location: Lofthouse Grange Care Home

Introduction to the role

A talented cook 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. This is a vital role in all our homes. If you would like to know more or would like to visit our kitchens, please apply and a member of the team will be in touch.

Main Duties

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centred around the individuals’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, following Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, making amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• Be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• Understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, 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, ensuring all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean, including 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.

Desirable

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

About Us

Located with easy links to Leeds and Wakefield, Lofthouse Grange & Lodge is a modern home specialising in the care of older people, with the Grange providing 24hr residential care for 31 residents, and the Lodge providing additional round the clock dementia care to 57 residents.

Winner of the Gold trophy for Best Smaller Care Home Group at the CHA (Care Home Awards) 2021.

Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.

We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development is encouraged, and you will receive plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

Benefits

• Access to Blue Light Discount Card.
• Excellent training and progression opportunities, from day one, with career pathways to enable you to grow and develop.
• Recognition schemes, such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony, recognising our dedicated staff team.
• Free Uniform and car parking.
• Access to our 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support on personal and professional issues.

At Orchard Care Homes, we value our employees.