Kitchen Assistant

Midlands Care; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates of pay

Learning Academy for development programmes

Employee Assistance Programme

Exceptional working environment

On-site car parking

Free uniform and badges

Access to online and high street discounts

Support from qualified management team

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion agenda

Job summary

Midlands Care is seeking a Chef to join their team in the United Kingdom. The role involves menu planning, meal preparation, and managing stock levels while ensuring a clean and compliant kitchen environment. Candidates should have experience as a Chef or Cook, a strong cooking ability, and a compassionate, resident-focused approach. The organization offers competitive pay and a supportive working environment, promoting togetherness, positivity, and compassion among staff members.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a care home or catering environment is preferred.
• Confidence in preparing meals for special diets.
• Understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Create varied menus that meet dietary needs and preferences.
• Prepare, cook, and serve meals to high standards.
• Manage stock levels and ensure cost-effective use of supplies.
• Maintain a clean and compliant kitchen environment.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report faults.
• Support the wellbeing of residents through person-centred catering.

Skills

Experience as a Chef or Cook

Strong cooking ability

Excellent planning and time-management skills

Understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety

Compassionate, resident-focused approach

Willingness to complete relevant training

Job description

• 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.