Head Cook

SeeMeHired.com; Antrim; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rate of pay

Onsite training

Free Essential Food Hygiene Training 2

Free Essential Food Hygiene Training 3

Private health insurance after 3 years

Pension

Free parking

Free uniform

Support for studies and progression

Job summary

Hutchinson Care Homes in Northern Ireland is seeking a proactive Head Cook to lead the kitchen team and deliver high-quality meals for residents. You will manage menus, dietary requirements, and safety standards while maintaining records and budgets. The role supports multiple homes and involves training and ongoing professional development.

You will work onsite in care-home settings, with training provided and career progression opportunities within the Hutchinson family of homes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a care or similar setting.
• Strong emphasis on hygiene, safety and dietary requirements.
• Ability to manage menus, records and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, meeting dietary needs.
• Ensure safe storage, preparation and serving in line with regulations.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team and monitor duties.
• Plan menus with nutritional guidelines and resident needs.
• Manage stock, orders and costs within budgets.
• Maintain cleanliness and safe operation of equipment.
• Complete kitchen records and assist with audits and inspections.
• Attend training sessions and adapt to staffing needs across homes.

Skills

Team leadership

Organisational skills

Reliability

Food hygiene awareness

Communication

Punctuality & presentation

Job description

Head Cook

Main Duties

• Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences are met.

• Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served safely in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.

• Maintain excellent standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation.

• Oversee and support the kitchen team, ensuring duties are carried out effectively.

• Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines and Resident needs.

• Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor costs in line with budgets.

• Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely.

• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen records as required.

• Participate in audits and inspections, ensuring full compliance at all times.

• Attend all required training sessions.

• Carry out any additional duties as requested by management.

• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to support the home during busy or unexpected situations.

• Promote good housekeeping and safe working practices within the kitchen.

• Flexibility to work across multiple homes within the business to support staffing needs.

Administration Duties

• Maintain up‑to‑date kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and stock sheets.

• Report any equipment faults, hazards, or concerns to the Manager/Deputy Manager.

• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with company procedures.

General & Personal Development

• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.

• Organised, reliable, and trustworthy.

• Pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.

• Physically fit to carry out kitchen duties.

• Ability to give clear instructions and constructive feedback.

• Punctual, professional, and well‑presented.

• Flexible approach to working patterns to meet the needs of the Care Home

• Flexible approach to work including change of working patterns to suit the Care Home

About the role

The Package:

• Competitive rate of pay

• Training package from start date

• Onsite Training

• Free Essential Food Hygiene Training Level 2 & 3

• Private health insurance after 3 years

• Pension

• Free Parking

• Free uniform

• Support during studies and progression in career opportunities

About the company

Hutchinson Care Homes is a family-owned provider of high-quality nursing and residential care across Northern Ireland. Founded on the values of caring, integrity, and safety, we offer a nurturing environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect. Our services include specialized nursing care, dementia care, residential living, respite stays and day care, all delivered by compassionate, professional staff. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable home where every resident feels valued and can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Required Criteria

• At least six months experience working with patients within a Care Home Setting
• Excellent interpersonal Skills
• Ability to work under pressure

Desired Criteria

• Enthusiastic and Professional
• Demonstrate a positive attitude when carrying out your duties and be willing to put in an extra effort if an unexpected situation arrives

Skills you'll need