Care Home Cook

Looking for a rewarding role where your cooking skills can make a genuine difference every day? At Dovehaven, we know that mealtimes are an important part of life in our homes. We’re looking for a caring and reliable Cook to join our friendly team at Manchester House, helping provide nutritious, well-presented meals that residents can enjoy in a warm and supportive environment. Why People Choose This Role 3-day OR 4-day working week Consistent 10-hour shifts Friendly and supportive team environment Fully paid induction training Opportunity to make a real difference to residents’ wellbeing Ongoing training and development opportunities Stable role within a family-run care organisation About Manchester House Manchester House is a Nursing and residential care home catering for up to 67 residents. The home specialises in dementia care, and our aim is to ensure all our residents feel as comfortable as possible. Our homes promote independence, dignity and respect through positive risk taking and empowerment. Take a look at the home: https://dovehaven.co.uk/our-homes/manchester-house What You’ll Be Doing You’ll play an important role in residents’ daily lives by preparing nutritious, appetising meals that meet a variety of dietary and individual needs. This includes: Preparing and serving nutritious, well-presented meals Supporting residents with varying dietary requirements and preferences Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness Monitoring food safety procedures and kitchen compliance Working effectively under pressure during busy mealtimes Managing stock and supporting the smooth running of the kitchen Working alongside the wider care team to support residents’ wellbeing At a number of our Dovehaven homes, we work with Apetito, a company specialising in nutritious, great-tasting meals for hospitals, care homes, and community services across the UK. Their meals are designed to support elderly and vulnerable people with a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. What Matters Most We’re looking for someone who takes pride in delivering quality meals and creating a positive dining experience for residents. The right person will be: Caring, friendly, and approachable Passionate about delivering high standards Organised with good time management skills Dependable, flexible, and able to work under pressure A supportive team player Compassionate and understanding towards elderly residents and those living with dementia Skills, Qualifications & Experience Ideal candidates will have: Previous experience within a care home, hotel, or similar catering environment Experience preparing meals for 50+ people Good organisation and kitchen management skills Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food preparation It is desirable, but not essential, that the successful candidate: Holds or is willing to work towards Catering (C&G) or NVQ Level 3 Holds Food Hygiene and/or First Aid qualifications What You’ll Get Fortnightly pay 5.6 weeks annual leave (pro rata) Paid DBS check Free uniform Fully paid induction training Ongoing training and development opportunities Supportive working environment within a family-run company Important Information 40 hours per week 4 days per week 8am–6pm shifts Alternate weekend availability required Enhanced DBS required No sponsorship available If you feel you have the right values for our family-run company, you will be supported through a programme of induction, training, and development throughout your career with us.