Cook

We’re excited to welcome a Chef to support the preparation of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at our Baird Lodge, Lumley Close, Ely Retirement Community in Cambridgeshire, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. Working alongside the Chef Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering high standards of food, presentation, and dining experience within a calm, well-structured kitchen environment.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, community-focused team supporting our retirement community residents, that puts people first – every single day. #BeYourBest is more than a hashtag – it’s our commitment to helping our people grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential, while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.

Your role:

• Deliver a high-quality catering service that meets individual needs, including special diets
• Enjoy a better work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts, giving you more time for yourself
• Manage food and labour budgets through effective planning and purchasing
• Oversee stock control, audits, and accurate record-keeping
• Ensure food safety standards are understood and followed by the team
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards through scheduled cleaning and maintenance

Your skills:

• Experience working in a catering environment and cooking for diverse groups
• Level 2 Diploma in Catering and Hospitality
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and budget management
• Friendly and approachable, with great customer interaction skills

Your rewards:

• 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 38, including bank holidays)
• Occupational sick pay linked to length of service
• Contributory pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements, paid volunteering days, and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria. Ready to #BeYourBest? Apply today and start an inspiring career with Sanctuary Supported Living.

Before you apply, we can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed. Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account. We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.