Cook/ Chef

Midlands Care; Leicester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Robust pension

Learning Academy

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site car parking

Free uniform

Discounts

Job summary

Midlands Care is seeking a Chef or Cook to lead the care home kitchen, preparing nutritious meals that meet residents' dietary needs and preferences while upholding hygiene and safety standards.

You will plan menus with residents and staff, cook to high standards, manage stock, and maintain a clean, compliant kitchen. Training and development are supported to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally in a care home or catering environment.
• Strong cooking ability with diverse dietary needs including special diets.
• Excellent planning, time-management and stock-handling skills.
• Understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety and equipment maintenance.
• Compassionate, resident-focused approach aligned with company values.
• Willingness to complete training including food hygiene, health & safety, and dementia awareness.

Responsibilities

• Menu planning with residents, Home Manager and kitchen team to create varied menus meeting dietary needs.
• Prepare, cook and serve meals to a high standard with excellent taste and portions.
• Manage stock levels, place orders under supervision and ensure cost-effective supply use.
• Maintain a clean, organised, compliant kitchen following food hygiene regulations.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely, report faults and remove unsafe items from use.
• Support residents’ wellbeing through safe, respectful catering practices.
• Engage in ongoing training and development opportunities.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Organisation

Care home experience

Resident-focused

Training willingness

Job description

Job Purpose

The Chef leads the care home’s catering service, preparing and serving nutritious, high‑quality meals that meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. They ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food hygiene regulations, while maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation, and hospitality.

Must be able to cook Asian and English cuisine.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning: Work closely with residents, the Home Manager, and the kitchen team to create varied menus that meet individual dietary needs, preferences, and nutritional requirements.

Meal Preparation: Prepare, cook, and serve meals to a consistently high standard, ensuring excellent taste, presentation, and portion control.

Stock Control: Manage stock levels, place orders under the supervision of the manager, and ensure cost‑effective use of supplies.

Kitchen Management: Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment, following food hygiene and safety regulations at all times.

Equipment Care: Operate kitchen equipment safely, report faults immediately, and remove unsafe items from use.

Resident Welfare: Support the wellbeing of residents through safe, respectful, and person‑centred catering practices.

Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training, performance reviews, and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualification and Skills

Experience: Previous experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a care home or catering environment.

Culinary Skills: Strong cooking ability with confidence in preparing meals for diverse dietary needs, including special diets.

Organisation: Excellent planning, time‑management, and stock‑handling skills.

Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and equipment maintenance.

Values & Attitude: A compassionate, resident‑focused approach aligned with our values of Togetherness, Positivity, and Compassion.

Training Commitment: Willingness to complete relevant training, including food hygiene, health & safety, and dementia awareness.

About Midlands Care

At Midlands Care, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support within our group of care homes throughout the Midlands. Certified as Investors in People (2024), we pride ourselves on our commitment to nurturing both our residents and our team members. Our core values – Togetherness, Positivity, and Compassion – are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a warm and supportive environment for all. Our priorities are centred around Customer, Colleague, and Community, reflecting our holistic approach towards all.

We offer our employees a range of benefits designed to enhance their professional and personal lives:

Competitive rates of pay

Robust pension scheme

Our very own Learning Academy, which offers comprehensive development programmes and clinical training.

Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 confidential helpline for you and your loved ones.

Exceptional working environment

On‑site car parking

Free uniform and badges

Access to thousands of online and high street discounts

Support from a highly qualified management team dedicated to helping you succeed and grow in your role.

Proud promoters of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion agenda.

Join Midlands Care and become part of a team that values togetherness, maintains a positive attitude, and approaches every task with compassion.