At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious, nutritious meals and lead a kitchen team in a care home.
- Company: Hill Care, a leading healthcare provider in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, training, career growth, free parking, and uniform.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing quality meals for residents in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 1 year of kitchen experience; team player with a positive attitude.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible responsibilities and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Hill Care, Whiteabbey Care Home, 104 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, County Antrim, BT37 9QP.
About the Role
Your experience as a competent 2nd Chef/Cook within the kitchen team, used to covering for the role of the Cook Manager in the absence of the main Cook, will allow you to really step up to support the running of the catering operation within the Home. This will include preparing high‑quality home‑cooked, fresh, nutritional meals and catering for any day‑to‑day dietary and cultural needs. As the largest healthcare provider in Northern Ireland it is important to us that we maintain the highest levels of service and the enjoyable experiences we are known for.
Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and direct a team of kitchen colleagues to deliver a first‑class catering service to the residents within the Home.
- Prepare menus in consultation with the Cook Manager, Home Manager, residents, families and catering committees, understanding individuals’ nutritional needs and choices, ensuring the quantity and quality of all food served meets required nutritional standards.
- Prepare beverages and snacks throughout the day, around the needs and choices of residents.
- In the absence of the Cook Manager, plan and deliver set menus.
- When required by the Cook Manager, take responsibility for stock‑taking, stock rotation and storage of stock, including checking and receiving deliveries.
- Monitor and replenish kitchen and food stocks in conjunction with the Home Manager, maintaining records in line with company procedures.
- Be responsible for the presentation of the dining areas.
- Assist in supervising all other kitchen staff.
- Ensure that high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food preparation are maintained at all times to meet environmental food‑safety standards.
Required Criteria
- 1 year experience working in a kitchen environment.
Desired Criteria
- Knowledge of HACCP.
What you will be (Qualifications)
- An experienced and capable Cook.
- Able to work under own initiative and in a fast‑paced environment.
- Polite and courteous, energetic and outgoing.
- A team player who engages well with others.
- Willing to positively contribute towards enhancing the quality and service levels for all service users.
- Able to be adaptive and flexible to cover a range of responsibilities at short notice.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Access to excellent training.
- Career development opportunities.
- Free onsite parking.
- Free uniform.
- NEST workplace pension contributions.
Job Details
- Seniority Level: Entry level.
- Employment Type: Part‑time.
- Job Function: Management and Manufacturing.
- Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing.
Cook - Experience needed. 3 days per wk. 25.5 hrs in Newtownabbey employer: Hill Care Group
Contact Detail:
Hill Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Experience needed. 3 days per wk. 25.5 hrs in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hill Care and their values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience as a Cook aligns with what they’re looking for, especially your ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or even a dish you’ve prepared. This can really set you apart and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Experience needed. 3 days per wk. 25.5 hrs in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience as a Cook or 2nd Chef in your application. We want to see how you've handled kitchen responsibilities and any leadership roles you've taken on, especially when covering for the Cook Manager.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Hill Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hill Care Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your cooking techniques and any dietary requirements that might come up. Familiarise yourself with the menu planning process and be ready to discuss how you would cater to different nutritional needs.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Cook, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and direct others. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully worked as part of a team or led a group in the kitchen.
✨Hygiene is Key
Be prepared to talk about food safety standards and hygiene practices. Knowing about HACCP will give you an edge, so if you have any experience with it, make sure to highlight that during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect situational questions where you might need to think on your feet. Practice how you would handle busy service times or unexpected dietary requests, showing your adaptability and problem-solving skills.