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 a birthday day off, 28 days annual leave, and free meals on shift.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a brand new care home opening soon.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through the power of food.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking with a passion for wholesome, home-style food.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
40 hours per week to include alternate weekends at 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
- 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 / Care Experience) in Salfords employer: Job Search Place Limited
At EQ Care Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and growth of our team members. Working at Willow Lodge in Redhill offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful dining experiences in a warm, family-style environment, while enjoying benefits such as a day off for your birthday, 28 days of annual leave, and dedicated learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our residents, where your culinary skills will be celebrated and your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Hospitality / Care Experience) in Salfords
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality or care sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for a cook position at Willow Lodge. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, whip up a dish that showcases your talent and share it with potential employers. A little taste of your cooking can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs, especially for older people. Being able to discuss how you can cater to various dietary requirements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our heart-centred team at Willow Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Hospitality / Care Experience) in Salfords
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let us know how much you love cooking and creating delicious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for 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 IDDSI, as this will show us you're a great fit for the role.
Keep It Personal:We want to see the real you! Use your application to tell us about your approach to creating a warm and welcoming dining experience. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to connect with people through food.
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 the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients you’ll be using in the role. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh, homemade meals and how you can cater to various dietary needs, including texture modified diets. This shows your passion for quality food and your understanding of nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with the Head Chef and care teams, highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've collaborated in previous roles to create a positive dining experience. A team-focused approach is key in this environment!
✨Bring Your Menu Ideas
Prepare a few menu ideas that reflect residents' preferences and nutritional needs. This not only demonstrates your creativity but also your commitment to providing a meaningful dining experience. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt meals for different dietary requirements.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Organisation
Make sure to talk about your understanding of food hygiene standards and kitchen organisation. Share any relevant experiences where you maintained cleanliness and managed stock effectively. This will reassure them that you can keep the kitchen running smoothly while delivering high-quality meals.
