At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for residents while catering to their dietary needs.
- Company: Join an award-winning team at Macklin Care Homes, where your contributions matter.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Access to mental health support and team-building initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: Three years of experience in a similar role and food hygiene training required.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 28400 £ per year.
Location: Our Lady's Home, 68 Ard Na Va Road
Can you make a real difference in the lives of others? At Macklin Care Homes, you will work as part of an award‑winning team valued for your contributions, with opportunities for career development and a friendly, rewarding work environment. Our residents are at the heart of our homes; we are inspired not only by their stories and experiences of years past but also by the knowledge that we are making a real difference in their lives.
We are recruiting for an experienced Assistant Chef/Cook on a relief basis. This role offers the perfect opportunity to combine your passion for cooking with a work‑life balance. You will prepare nutritious, delicious meals for residents, tailored to their dietary needs, while enjoying a friendly and supportive environment.
About The Role
- Plan, prepare, and cook meals for residents, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
- Cater to individual dietary requirements, including allergens and health‑related restrictions.
- Create a variety of well‑balanced, appealing, and nutritious meals.
- Develop weekly or monthly menus in collaboration with residents and management, ensuring variety and nutritional value.
- Oversee daily operations within the kitchen, ensuring smooth workflow and timely meal service.
- Maintain stock control, including ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food supplies.
- Minimise food waste and manage budgets effectively.
- Adhere to food safety standards, including proper food handling, preparation, and storage.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in all areas of the kitchen, including equipment and utensils.
- Engage with residents to gather feedback and understand their preferences.
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive dining experience for residents.
Ideal Candidate
- Passion for cooking and providing excellent dining experiences.
- Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively in a fast‑paced setting.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
Company Benefits
- Collaborating with an award‑winning team with family values.
- Enjoy a fully paid induction programme to help you transition smoothly into your role.
- Access to a wide variety of training opportunities to support professional growth.
- Career development opportunities.
- Flexibility of shifts.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and well‑being support.
- Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
- Health and well‑being initiatives, including team‑building initiatives.
- Free car parking and uniform (subject to conditions).
- Incentives for employee referrals (subject to conditions).
Ensure your CV is up to date, as this is required for the interview process. Sponsorship for this role is not offered. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered. Interviews may take place before the job advertisement closes. Submit your application promptly, as the role may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. In addition, we also reserve the right to enhance the criteria at the shortlisting stage. An Enhanced Access NI Check will be required for this post. The company has policies regarding the recruitment of ex‑offenders and the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information, as required by the Access NI Code of Practice. Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Required Criteria
- Minimum three years experience in a similar role.
- Food Hygiene & COSHH training.
- Good General Health (medically fit).
Desired Criteria
- Previous management experience.
Closing Date: Tuesday 30th June 2026
Contract Type: Full time
Salary: £13.63 Hourly
Relief Assistant Chef / Cook in Belfast employer: Macklin Care Homes | Care Home Group in Northern Ireland
At Macklin Care Homes, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where your contributions are truly valued. As a Relief Assistant Chef/Cook at Our Lady's Home in Belfast, you'll enjoy a fulfilling role that allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while benefiting from flexible shifts, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being. Join our award-winning team and experience a workplace that prioritises both professional growth and a sense of community.
Contact Details:
Macklin Care Homes | Care Home Group in Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Assistant Chef / Cook in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Macklin Care Homes. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can show how your passion for cooking aligns with their mission to make a difference in residents' lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role is all about preparing delicious meals, consider whipping up a few dishes that cater to different dietary needs. Bring some examples to your interview to showcase your creativity and adaptability in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! The job description highlights the importance of communication and collaboration. Think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others in a fast-paced environment, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're keen and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Assistant Chef / Cook in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your cooking experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your passion for creating delicious meals!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about working with us at Macklin Care Homes and how you can make a difference in our residents' lives through your cooking.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since teamwork is key in our kitchens, mention any experiences where you’ve worked well with others. We love seeing candidates who can collaborate and create a welcoming environment for our residents.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the role early if we find the right fit, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macklin Care Homes | Care Home Group in Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs and preferences of the residents. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to specific requirements, such as allergens or health-related restrictions. This shows that you care about their well-being and are prepared to create nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Menu Planning Skills
Prepare a sample menu that highlights your ability to create balanced and appealing meals. Bring this to the interview to demonstrate your creativity and understanding of nutrition. It’s a great way to show you’re proactive and passionate about providing excellent dining experiences.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working in a team environment, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive kitchen atmosphere, which is essential for a smooth workflow.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Be prepared to discuss food safety standards and hygiene practices. Share any relevant training you've completed, like Food Hygiene & COSHH, and explain how you ensure cleanliness in the kitchen. This will reassure them that you take food safety seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
