Cook (Part-time opportunity)

Macklin Care Homes | Care Home Group in Northern Ireland; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible shifts

Training opportunities

Employee assistance

Free parking

Discounts

Job summary

Macklin Care Homes in Belfast is seeking an experienced Cook to join our team on a part-time basis. You will plan, prepare, and cook meals for residents, taking into account dietary requirements and nutritional needs.

This role emphasizes kitchen hygiene, teamwork, and the ability to create appealing menus. You will work 28.5 hours per week across three shifts (7:30 am–5:30 pm) with flexible scheduling and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Previous cook/chef experience, preferably in care settings such as care homes or hospitals.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and food safety practices.
• Experience preparing nutritious, varied meals for residents.
• Ability to work as part of a team while maintaining high cleanliness and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook meals for residents (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
• Cater to dietary requirements and allergens.
• Develop menus with residents and management.
• Oversee kitchen operations and ensure timely meal service.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Allergens awareness

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Description

Location

Our Ladys Home, 68 Ard Na Va Road

Can you make a real difference in the lives of others?

At Macklin Care Homes, we believe in valuing our team and providing a supportive, friendly work environment with real opportunities for career development. As part of our award-winning team, your passion and dedication will be genuinely appreciated.

Our Lady's Care Home in Belfast is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our dedicated team on a part-time basis. The successful candidate must be available to work the following hours and shift patterns.

Hours

28.5 hours per week (exclusive of meal breaks)

Shifts

3 shifts per week (7:30 am – 5:30 pm)

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals for residents, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
• Cater to individual dietary requirements, including allergens and health-related restrictions.
• Create a variety of well-balanced, appealing, and nutritious meals.
• Develop weekly or monthly menus in collaboration with residents and management, ensuring variety and nutritional value.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely meal service.
• Maintain stock control, including ordering, receiving, and properly storing food supplies.
• Minimise food waste and manage budgets effectively.
• Adhere to food safety standards, including proper food handling, preparation, and storage.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in all areas of the kitchen, including equipment and utensils.
• Engage with residents to gather feedback and understand their preferences.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive dining experience for residents.

Ideal Candidate

• Passion for cooking and providing excellent dining experiences.
• Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.

Company Benefits

At Macklin Care Homes, we understand the hard work and dedication that our colleagues bring to their roles, and we are committed to rewarding their efforts with a comprehensive benefits package:

• Collaborating with an award-winning team with family values.
• Access to a wide variety of training opportunities to support professional growth.
• Career development opportunities.
• Flexibility of shifts.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and well-being support.
• Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
• Health and well-being initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
• Free car parking and uniform*.
• Incentives for employee referrals*.
• T&Cs will apply.

Enhanced Access NI Check

If successful, please be aware that we do have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. As per the Access NI Code of Practice, Macklin Care Homes also has a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. Copies of these documents, along with the Access NI Code of Practice, are available upon request by contacting the HR Department.

It is Macklin Care Homes' Policy that the existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but the failure to disclose all criminal convictions fully and accurately will lead to the withdrawal of a job offer.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.

Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

About The Company

Macklin Care Homes – Caring with Heart for Over 30 Years

For over 30 years, Macklin Care Homes have been dedicated to providing exceptional care. We bring decades of experience, knowledge, and expertise to every individual we support. But we are not just another care home—we are family‑first. Everyone who comes through our doors—residents, staff, relatives, and suppliers—is treated as part of one big caring community.

We Proudly Operate Six Care Homes Across Northern Ireland

• Arlington, Our Lady's, and Parkmanor Oaks – Belfast
• Milesian Manor – Magherafelt
• Ratheane – Coleraine
• Leabank – Ballycastle

Our vision is to make a genuine, positive impact on the lives of people in our local communities. We strive to be the trusted care provider that families choose with confidence. Through dedication, passion, and commitment, we care with heart—creating an environment where people feel safe, loved, and respected.

At Macklin Care Homes, we aim to be the preferred choice in the community—where families know their loved ones are in the best hands.

Company Culture

Make a Real Difference – Join Macklin Care Homes

Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of others? At Macklin Care Homes, we are always looking for passionate, caring individuals to join our team—and in return, we will help bring out the very best in you.

As part of our award‑winning team, you will be valued for your contribution and supported with opportunities for career development, all within a friendly and rewarding working environment.

Our residents are at the heart of everything we do. We are inspired by their stories, their experiences, and the knowledge that our care truly makes a difference in their lives.

Guided by a strong set of core values, we cultivate a culture of respect, dedication, and compassion. These values ensure that residents and their families remain at the centre of all our efforts.

We are proud of the positive, caring culture we live by every day. If you are compassionate, committed, and care with heart, we would love to hear from you. Join us, and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.

Required Criteria

• Previous experience working as a Cook/Chef, preferably in a care home, nursing home, hospital, hotel or similar setting.
• Good knowledge and understanding of food hygiene and food safety.
• Experience preparing nutritious, varied and appetising meals for a large number of people.
• Strong understanding of allergens, food safety and infection prevention.
• Ability to work as part of a team while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, nutrition and resident choice.

Closing Date

Wednesday 30th September, 2026

Contract Type

parttime

Salary

£13.63 Hourly