Job Description

Job Purpose:

To lead and manage the catering operation within a large care home, ensuring residents receive high-quality, nutritious, and varied meals that meet individual dietary needs, in line with UK food safety standards and the home's values of dignity, wellbeing, and person-centred care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of cooks, kitchen assistants, and catering staff. Create and maintain staff rotas, ensuring appropriate cover at all times. Oversee staff training, performance reviews, and ongoing development. Promote a positive, inclusive working environment that supports teamwork and resident-focused service.

Menu Planning & Nutrition

Develop seasonal menus in line with residents' needs, preferences, and cultural considerations. Work with care staff, dietitians, and nursing teams to support residents with special dietary requirements, allergies, modified textures (IDDSI), and medical conditions such as diabetes or dysphagia. Ensure meals are well-presented, nutritious, and delivered on time.

Food Preparation & Service

Oversee daily food production, ensuring high standards of cooking and presentation. Support the team with hands-on cooking when required. Ensure food portions, plating, and service align with agreed standards. Maintain excellent dining experiences across all mealtimes and hospitality events.

Compliance & Food Safety

Ensure full compliance with UK Food Safety and Hygiene legislation (including HACCP procedures). Maintain accurate records: temperature logs, cleaning schedules, stock rotation, allergen information, and risk assessments. Prepare for and support local authority Environmental Health inspections. Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained properly.

Budgeting & Stock Control

Manage the catering budget responsibly, controlling waste and ensuring cost-effective purchasing. Order and manage stock, maintaining accurate inventory levels. Build good relationships with food suppliers and review contracts as needed.

Resident Engagement & Customer Service

Involve residents in menu development and gather regular feedback. Attend residents' meetings when required.
Ensure catering staff interact with residents in a friendly, respectful, and supportive manner

Essential:

Experience in a supervisory or management catering role (preferably within health or social care). Level 3 Food Safety / Food Hygiene (or willing to work toward Level 3). Strong understanding of dietary needs, allergens, and IDDSI standards. Excellent organisation, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to work flexibly, including weekends if needed. NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery / Catering Shows skills in cooking, kitchen operations, and food production.

Desirable:

Experience working in a care home or NHS setting. Knowledge of nutritional needs of older adults and people living with dementia

Personal Qualities:

Compassionate and resident-focused. Calm under pressure and able to prioritise. Creative with menus and presentation. Team-oriented with a positive, proactive attitude.
Enhanced DBS required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.00-15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person