Cook (Hospitality / Care Experience)

EQ Care Group; Redhill; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Half-day birthday leave

Blue Light Discount Card

28 days annual leave (pro rata)

Salary advance scheme (Level)

Contributory pension

Learning & Development

Team member rewards

Free meals on shift

Free tax review service

Refer a friend scheme

Job summary

Willow Lodge, a forthcoming 78-bed care home in Redhill, is seeking a Cook to prepare high-quality, home-style meals tailored to residents’ nutritional needs. You will work with the Head Chef to deliver a warm, comforting dining experience in a family-style environment.

The role supports wellbeing through food, including modified textures (IDDSI) and individual preferences, with a 40-hour week and alternate weekends. This is a care setting that values pride in fresh, wholesome food.

Qualifications

• Experience as a cook or chef in a hotel, restaurant or care setting.
• Knowledge of the IDDSI framework or willingness to learn.
• Understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for older people.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, homemade meals using quality ingredients.
• Plan and deliver menus reflecting residents’ preferences and nutritional needs.
• Cater for dietary requirements, including texture-modified diets (IDDSI).
• Ensure food presentation enhances the dining experience.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation.
• Work with care teams to support individuals’ needs.

Skills

Experience as cook/chef

Wholesome home-style food

IDDSI framework knowledge

Nutrition for older people

Organisation & time management

Team-focused attitude

Job description

Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome)

40 hours per week to include alternate weekends

Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH

Do you want a fresh approach to food and dining? If you are a cook or chef from a hotel, restaurant or care background who takes pride in preparing high-quality, homemade food, this is an opportunity to bring your skills into a setting where food is at the heart of daily life. At Willow Lodge, we operate a Household Model of Care, where people live in smaller, family-style environments. Food is freshly prepared in the kitchen and cooked on each household. This is personal, and central to creating a warm and welcoming home as well as delivering a meaningful dining experience every day.

Role Overview

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals tailored to peoples’ preferences and dietary needs. Working within the kitchen you will work alongside the Head Chef, you will help create a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting and enjoyable. You will play a key role in supporting wellbeing through food, ensuring meals are both high quality and suited to individual requirements, including modified diets in line with the IDDSI framework.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare fresh, homemade meals using quality ingredients
• Plan and deliver menus that reflect residents’ preferences and nutritional needs
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including texture-modified diets (IDDSI)
• Ensure food presentation enhances the overall dining experience
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
• Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation
• Work closely with care teams to support peoples’ individual needs

Skills, Qualifications and Abilities

• Experience as a cook or chef in a hotel, restaurant or care setting
• A passion for producing wholesome, home-style food
• Knowledge or willingness to learn the IDDSI framework
• Understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements, particularly in older people
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• A team-focused approach with a positive and flexible attitude

The Care Home and Company

Willow Lodge is to open in the late summer of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Willow Lodge.

To find out more information about EQ Care, please visit our website: www.eqcare.org

Benefits of working at EQ Care

• ½ day off for your birthday – start your celebrations early!
• Blue Light Discount Card – access exclusive savings and offers.
• 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) – enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
• Salary advance scheme (Level) – access earned pay when you need it.
• Contributory pension – helping you plan for your future.
• Dedicated Learning & Development – continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• Team member rewards – recognising and celebrating your hard work.
• Free meals on shift – enjoy a meal on us while you work.
• Free tax review service – making sure you keep more of what you earn.
• Refer a friend scheme – earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)

Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.

** This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice