Cook/ kitchen Assistant – Portland House

Midlands Care; Kirby Muxloe; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Pension scheme

Learning Academy

Employee discounts

Free uniform

Job summary

Midlands Care in Kirby Muxloe, Leicester is seeking a Cook/Kitchen Assistant to support the Portland House kitchen, preparing meals that meet residents’ dietary needs with high hygiene standards.

Role involves menu planning, stock control, and safe, organized kitchen operation under the supervision of the Home Manager. Prior care-home cooking experience is preferred and full UK work rights are required.

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.
• A compassionate, resident-focused approach aligned with Midlands Care values.
• Willingness to complete relevant training (food hygiene, health & safety, dementia awareness).

Responsibilities

• Menu planning with residents and management to meet dietary needs.
• Prepare, cook and serve meals to a high standard with good presentation.
• Manage stock levels and place orders under supervision.
• Maintain a clean, compliant kitchen and safe equipment handling.
• Support resident wellbeing through person-centred catering practices.

Skills

Experience as Chef or Cook

Culinary skills

Organisation

Food safety knowledge

Values & attitude

Training commitment

Job description

# Cook/ kitchen Assistant – Portland HouseKirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2EH, UKOctober 15, 2026Full Time or Part TimeApply Now**Deadline date:**September 1, 2027£12.76 - £13.16 / hour### Job Description| | | | || --- | --- | --- | --- || | | | --- | | Cook/ Kitchen Assistant – Portland House | | 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. **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. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of our residents and want to be part of a dedicated care team, we encourage you to apply. For more information about this role, please contact our Head Office on 0116 296 7744. **Strictly- Full right to work in the UK is required as we do not offer sponsorship.** | | | || **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. |