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- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for residents while catering to their dietary needs.
- Company: Join Macklin Care Homes, a compassionate and award-winning team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, and health support 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.
- Other info: Friendly environment with opportunities for professional growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 17 £ per hour.
Important Information
Location: Our Lady's, Our Ladys Home, 68 Ard Na Va Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6FF
Date Posted: 18th December 2025
Closing Date: 31st January 2026
Industry: Healthcare
Job Type: Casual
Salary: £14.04 Hourly
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 contribution, with opportunities for career development, and a friendly and rewarding working environment. If you are a compassionate person who cares with heart, we would love to hear from you.
Our residents are 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. Our Ladys Home, based in Belfast, is currently recruiting for an experienced Chef/Cook. 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 wellbeing initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
- Free car parking and uniform.
- Incentives for employee referrals.
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. If successful, please be aware that we do have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. As per the Access NI Code of Practice, Macklin Care Homes also has a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. Copies of these documents along with the Access NI Code of Practice are available upon request by contacting the HR Department. It is Macklin Care Homes' Policy that any existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but the failure to disclose all criminal convictions fully and accurately will lead to the withdrawal of a job offer. Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
What you will need
Required criteria:
- Minimum three years experience in a similar role.
- Food Hygiene & COSHH training.
- Good General Health (medically fit).
Desired criteria:
- Previous management experience.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Relief Chef /Cook in Belfast employer: Macklin Care Homes Limited
Contact Detail:
Macklin Care Homes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief 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 you're applying for a Relief Chef/Cook position, be ready to showcase your culinary talents. Maybe whip up a dish that reflects your style and be prepared to discuss how you cater to dietary needs. It’s all about impressing them with your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the interviewers! When you get the chance, ask questions about the kitchen environment and how they involve residents in meal planning. This shows you care about creating a welcoming dining experience and are keen to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. Make sure your CV is up to date and highlights your relevant experience. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef /Cook in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Chef/Cook. Focus on your skills in meal preparation, dietary requirements, and any previous roles in healthcare settings. We want to see how you can make a difference in our residents' lives!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to providing excellent dining experiences for residents. Share any personal stories or motivations that drive your passion for this role – we’re all about heart here at Macklin Care Homes!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your answers clear and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and skills without rambling. We appreciate straightforwardness, and it helps us get to know you better!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the role early if we find the right candidate. Head over to our careers page and get your application in as soon as you can – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macklin Care Homes Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially regarding dietary requirements and food safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to individual needs, as this shows your commitment to providing excellent dining experiences for residents.
✨Menu Planning Mastery
Prepare to talk about your experience in menu planning. Think of examples where you've created well-balanced meals or catered to specific dietary restrictions. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with residents and tailor meals to their preferences.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Macklin Care Homes values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive working environment, as this aligns with their family values.
✨Passion for Cooking
Let your passion shine through during the interview! Share stories about why you love cooking and how it impacts the lives of others. This personal touch can make a lasting impression and show that you genuinely care about making a difference in residents' lives.
