At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious, homemade meals tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of exceptional elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, birthday leave, free meals, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a brand-new care home opening in 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through the power of food and care.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking or catering, with a passion for wholesome, nutritious meals.
£28,142 per annum (pro rata) 40 hours per week to include alternate weekends
Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH
Do you want a fresh approach to food and dining? If you are a cook or chef from a hotel, restaurant or care background who takes pride in preparing high-quality, homemade food, this is an opportunity to bring your skills into a setting where food is at the heart of daily life. At Willow Lodge, we operate a Household Model of Care, where people live in smaller, family-style environments. Food is freshly prepared in the kitchen and cooked on each household. This is personal, and central to creating a warm and welcoming home as well as delivering a meaningful dining experience every day.
Role Overview
As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals tailored to peoples’ preferences and dietary needs. Working within the kitchen alongside the Head Chef, you will help create a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting and enjoyable. You will play a key role in supporting wellbeing through food, ensuring meals are both high quality and suited to individual requirements, including modified diets in line with the IDDSI framework.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare fresh, homemade meals using quality ingredients
- Plan and deliver menus that reflect residents’ preferences and nutritional needs
- Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including texture-modified diets (IDDSI)
- Ensure food presentation enhances the overall dining experience
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation
- Work closely with care teams to support peoples’ individual needs
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities
- Experience as a cook or chef in a hotel, restaurant or care setting
- A passion for producing wholesome, home-style food
- Knowledge or willingness to learn the IDDSI framework
- Understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements, particularly in older people
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- A team-focused approach with a positive and flexible attitude
The Company and Care Home
EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes open, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.
Willow Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Willow Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ Care
- ½ day off for your birthday – start your celebrations early!
- Blue Light Discount Card – access exclusive savings and offers.
- 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) – enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
- Salary advance scheme (Level) – access earned pay when you need it.
- Contributory pension – helping you plan for your future.
- Dedicated Learning & Development – continuous training and career growth opportunities.
- Team member rewards – recognising and celebrating your hard work.
- Free meals on shift – enjoy a meal on us while you work.
- Free tax review service – making sure you keep more of what you earn.
- Refer a friend scheme – earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.
This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice.
Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome) in Redhill employer: EQ Care Group
At EQ Care Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our team members. Located in the heart of Redhill, Willow Lodge offers a warm and welcoming environment where you can thrive while preparing high-quality, homemade meals for our residents. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a birthday half-day off, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both staff and residents, joining our heart-centred team means being part of something truly special.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome) in Redhill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Willow Lodge and EQ Care Group. Understanding their values and approach to care will help you connect your experience with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to cooking and dietary needs. Think about how you can showcase your passion for home-cooked meals and your ability to cater to different dietary requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your enthusiasm shine through. They want to see that you’re not just skilled in the kitchen but also a great fit for their heart-centred team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note. It’s a nice touch that shows you appreciate the opportunity and are genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome) in Redhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know how much you love cooking and creating delicious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for preparing high-quality, homemade food, especially in a care or hospitality setting.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your knowledge of dietary requirements and any experience with texture-modified diets, as this is key to our approach at Willow Lodge.
Keep It Personal:We want to see the real you! Use your application to convey your personality and how you connect with others through food. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to create a warm and welcoming dining experience for residents.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Willow Lodge.
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients you’ll be using in the kitchen. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh, homemade meals and how you can cater to various dietary needs, especially those related to older people.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through! Share stories about your previous roles in hospitality or care settings, focusing on how you’ve created comforting dining experiences that cater to individual preferences.
✨Understand the IDDSI Framework
Brush up on the IDDSI framework and be prepared to discuss how you would implement it in your cooking. This shows that you’re not only knowledgeable but also committed to providing high-quality meals tailored to residents’ needs.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with care teams. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully communicated and coordinated with others in a kitchen environment to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
