Kitchen Assistant

Midlands Care; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates of pay

Comprehensive development programmes

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site car parking

Free uniform and badges

Access to online and high street discounts

Job summary

A residential care home provider in the UK seeks a skilled Chef to lead meal preparation in compliance with dietary needs. The role involves menu planning, meal preparation, stock control, and maintaining hygiene standards. Candidates should have a strong culinary background, food safety knowledge, and a compassionate approach. Benefits include competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a supportive working environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a care home or catering environment.
• Strong cooking ability with confidence in preparing meals for diverse dietary needs.
• Understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with residents and staff to create varied menus.
• Prepare and serve meals to a high standard.
• Manage stock levels and operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Support resident wellbeing through person-centred catering practices.
• Engage in training for professional development.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Organisation

Job description

To lead the preparation, cooking, and delivery of high‑quality meals within our residential care home, ensuring all dietary needs are met while maintaining exceptional standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism..

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.

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

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.