Head Cook

Hutchinson Care; Antrim; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking

Free uniform

Onsite Training

Essential Food Hygiene Training Level

Private health insurance after 3 years

Pension

Job summary

Hutchinson Care Homes is seeking a Head Cook to lead the kitchen team across our care homes in Northern Ireland. You will prepare meals to high standards, ensure dietary requirements are met, and maintain rigorous hygiene and safety practices.

The role requires a proactive, professional individual with six months’ care home experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work under pressure while managing stock and budgets. Training and development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Six months' experience in a care home setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to lead and motivate a team.
• Flexible approach to staffing and duties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals meeting dietary requirements.
• Ensure food hygiene and safety in line with regulations.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
• Oversee and support the kitchen team, delegating duties.
• Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines and resident needs.
• Manage stock levels, orders, and cost monitoring.
• Keep kitchen equipment clean and safe; complete records as required.
• Participate in audits and inspections; attend training.
• Be flexible to work across multiple Care Homes as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Work under pressure

Care home experience

Flexible scheduling

Team leadership

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