Job Description

Chef
Opening of Loughside Care Village!!
The Home
At Healthcare Ireland, we're proud to introduce Loughside Care Village, our newest flagship development in the heart of Carrickfergus. More than a care facility, Loughside is a luxurious, state-of-the-art living environment designed to enrich life for its 116 residents, setting a new benchmark in compassionate, expert-led care.
Purpose-built for people living with dementia, complex care needs, and those under mental health registration, Loughside offers a vibrant, village-style community centred on dignity, independence, and wellbeing. Its thoughtful design encourages privacy, stimulation, and meaningful social connection for residents, families, and staff alike.
Loughside will be home to over 200 dedicated professionals delivering personalised care tailored to each individual. Commissioned in partnership with the Northern Health Trust and developed to meet the highest RQIA standards, it represents a bold step forward in transforming care in Northern Ireland.
The Role
The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Chef is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Chef is responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards.
This is a leadership role, managing the kitchen team in addition to working closely with the care teams and management of the Home. The Chef has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high quality, person-centred dining experiences.
This role is about a lot more than preparing meals, this role is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.
About the role
Main Responsibilities
Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking
Supervising and motivating the catering team and ensuring operational standards comply
Responsible for monitoring the home's catering budget within Healthcare Ireland's standards
Researches, develops, and creates varied and interesting menus
Ensures that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost-effective manner
Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager
The Benefits:
Paid annual leave
The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
Continuous professional development and training
Values-led culture
Overtime available at an enhanced rate
Opportunities for progression
Pension plan (if applicable)
Attractive hourly rate
Access NI fee paid for
Uniforms and PPE provided
Monthly incentives and recognition awards
Free parking
We do not offer sponsorship for this role
Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
About the company
Healthcare Ireland provides care services in an environment where individuality is emphasised and the privacy and dignity of all our residents is recognised. We currently have over 1,800 employees throughout our 25 Homes. We are incredibly proud of not only the work our employees do, but the quality of care we are able to offer as result of their commitment.
We started Healthcare Ireland Group in July 2015 with the opening of Bradley Manor Care Home. Our categories of care include general and dementia nursing, dementia residential, mental health, physical disability and learning disability.
Required Criteria

• Right to Work in the UK.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience as Chef or a similar role.
• Qualified to NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Management/ NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery.
• Hold an advanced Food Safety certificate.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to manage a small team, ensuring the kitchen provision operates in line with company expectations, the necessary standards and regulations, whilst providing an exceptional service to our residents.
• Capable of planning nutritious meals, taking into account specific dietary requirements as well as have an understanding of IDDSI modified foods.
• Have knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety, updating this knowledge regularly.

Desired Criteria

• Experience in a care home is desirable but not essential.

Skills you'll need

Skills Required