At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals and manage kitchen operations with a supportive team.
- Company: Top-rated nursing home known for quality care and a positive work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, up to 33 days holiday, and a strong work/life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development within a friendly, stable team.
- Why this job: Join a winning team and make a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification, food hygiene certificate, and multitasking skills.
The predicted salary is between 35100 - 42900 £ per year.
*Interviews will take place at the end of September 2026*
We are looking for an exceptional individual to join us as Assistant Chef on a full time basis at our Kirk Lane Nursing Home in Livingston Village, West Lothian.
With alternate weekends off and working 4 days over 7 with no late finishes (working hours 07:30 – 18:00) it makes this the perfect opportunity for a Chef who may be seeking a better work/life balance.
Kirk Lane has consistently been the top performing nursing home in the local area based on consistently strong care inspection grades and reviews; in 2025 winning Care Home of the Year – Scotland at the UK caring awards 2025 and in 2026 being recognised as a Top 20 Care Home in Scotland (see carehome. co. uk).
- A highly competitive rate of pay
- A strong ethos of work / life balance
- Highly skilled Senior Team and Head Office support
- Work for an organisation with a long standing reputation for quality care delivery
- Opportunities for development within the company
- Up to 33 days holiday depending on length of service
- Friendly, stable and supportive team
- Pension Scheme
- Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Able to multi-task and prioritise workload
- Budgetary experience
- The ability to maintain a positive and helpful attitude at all times
- Quantity/Quality Control
- Food Hygiene Certificate and Catering Qualification
- Job Purpose
- To provide healthy nourishing food suitable for clients needs within budget
- To organise the kitchen in a safe, economic and efficient manner
- To induct, train and supervise staff within the catering area to comply with all policies and procedures
- To ensure staff adhere to Environmental Health guidelines
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To be in charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
- To adhere to given menus and present them in an appetising manner
- To seek feedback on resident satisfaction
- To assist Head Chef to work within a given budget and be accountable for discrepancies
- To ensure all foodstuffs are stored, handled and prepared hygienically in a manner which complies with company and statutory bodies’ requirements
- To use and observe use of all kitchen stock and equipment in appropriate manner and report any faults or discrepancies to immediate superior
- To assist Head Chef to order and cost food supplies and keep proper records as instructed by the company
- To treat suppliers in a totally professional manner so as to achieve their best attention at all times
- To dispose of waste materials and rubbish as instructed by company guidelines
- To adhere to uniform policy as directed by the company at all times and wear protective clothing as appropriate
- To operate all machinery and equipment in a safe manner and report any faults or misuse immediately
- To report any injuries, disease or dangerous occurrences to Manager / Deputy
- To read and observe all notices displayed in the work area and familiarise yourself with company policy and procedure regarding the work place, annual leave, sick leave, fire drill and evacuation, and instruct staff under your control
- To make best use of available space and ensure correct rotation of stock
- To have enough supplies for emergency situations without overstocking
- To have adequate knowledge of any specific dietary needs of residents
- To attend meetings and training as required by the company or Unit Manager and to keep up-to-date with changing regulations regarding the handling and preparing of kitchen foodstuffs
- To be involved in menu planning and entertainment committee meetings as required
- To keep all kitchen equipment and furniture clean and in a safe condition and report any faults to superiors
- To be in receipt of a current food hygiene certificate
- To undertake any reasonable duties as directed by managers to ensure safe, smooth efficient running of the nursing home
- 8 Kirk Mews, Livingston Village, Livingston EH54 7FR
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Chef employer: Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group
Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group is an exceptional employer, offering competitive pay rates and a supportive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong focus on employee development and flexible working hours, our Bank Care Assistants can enjoy a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values quality care and personal growth.
Contact Details:
Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
