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- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for residents while catering to their dietary needs.
- Company: Join Macklin Care Homes, an award-winning team with family values.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- 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: Engage with residents and create a welcoming dining experience.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Location: Our Lady's, Our Ladys Home, 68 Ard Na Va Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6FF
Date Posted: 18th December 2025
Closing Date: 30th April 2026
Industry: Healthcare
Job Type: Casual
Salary: £13.15 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 contributions, with opportunities for career development and a friendly, rewarding work 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 Care Home, based in Belfast, is currently 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.
- 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)
- 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 Assistant Chef / Cook in Newtownabbey 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 Assistant Chef / Cook in Newtownabbey
✨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 Assistant Chef/Cook role, 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 during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the team! During your interview, don’t just focus on your skills; show your enthusiasm for teamwork. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the kitchen to create a welcoming dining experience for residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We recommend submitting your application directly on the Macklin Care Homes careers page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our award-winning team!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Assistant Chef / Cook in Newtownabbey
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 of Relief Assistant Chef/Cook, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary talents!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for cooking and how you can make a difference in our residents' lives. Keep it friendly and personal – we love hearing your story!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since teamwork is key in our kitchens, mention any experiences where you’ve worked well with others. We’re looking for someone who can fit right into our award-winning team, so let us know how you collaborate!
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, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macklin Care Homes Limited
✨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 Passion
During the interview, let your love for cooking shine through! Share stories about your previous experiences in the kitchen, especially those that highlight your ability to create appealing and well-balanced meals. This will help the interviewers see your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your communication and teamwork skills. Be prepared to give examples of how you've worked effectively with others in a fast-paced environment. This is crucial in a kitchen setting where collaboration is key to ensuring smooth operations and timely meal service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your knowledge of food safety standards and hygiene practices. Brush up on your understanding of proper food handling, preparation, and storage. Being able to articulate these points will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.