Chef – Dale Lodge

Are you a passionate Chef who enjoys preparing nutritious and enjoyable meals while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? At Nicholas James Care Homes, we understand that food plays an important role in the health, wellbeing, and daily enjoyment of our residents. We are looking for a dedicated Chef to join our team and help deliver high‑quality meals within our residential care home for older people, including those living with dementia. This role offers the opportunity to work in a supportive care environment where your skills will directly contribute to residents’ comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Why Join Nicholas James Care Homes?

• A Supportive, Family‑Oriented Environment: We are proud to be a family‑run organisation that prioritises kindness, teamwork, and respect for both residents and staff.
• A Rewarding Career: Working as a Chef offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents while making a real difference in their daily lives.
• Training and Development: We provide full training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to progress within the organisation.

About the Role

As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and delivering nutritious, well‑balanced meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of our residents. You will work closely with the care team and management to ensure that meals are tailored to individual dietary requirements, including modified diets where necessary. You will also play an important role in creating a pleasant dining experience, recognising that mealtimes are an important social and wellbeing activity for residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking nutritious, balanced meals using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
• Planning and assisting in the development of menus that reflect residents’ preferences and dietary needs.
• Preparing meals that meet a range of dietary requirements including soft, fortified, or texture‑modified diets.
• Ensuring all food preparation and storage complies with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen environment.
• Monitoring stock levels and food supplies, ensuring effective stock rotation and minimal waste.
• Working within budget requirements while maintaining high standards of food quality.
• Engaging positively with residents and staff to ensure the dining experience is enjoyable and person‑centred.
• Supporting kitchen audits and maintaining HACCP compliance and documentation.

The Ideal Candidate

• We are looking for a chef who is not only skilled in food preparation but also understands the importance of nutrition and hydration for older people, including those living with dementia.
• Warm, approachable, and respectful when interacting with residents and staff.
• Passionate about preparing nutritious, appetising meals.
• Knowledgeable about dietary needs of older people, including special diets.
• Able to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment while maintaining high standards.
• Organised, reliable, and committed to food safety and hygiene.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Chef or Cook.
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP).
• Ability to prepare meals that meet nutritional and dietary requirements.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to manage kitchen tasks effectively and maintain high standards.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ in Professional Cookery or equivalent (desirable).
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above preferred).
• Good written and verbal English communication skills.
• Basic IT skills for completing kitchen records where required.

Working as a Chef in a care home offers a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills with meaningful work, helping residents enjoy nutritious meals and positive dining experiences every day.