Chef

Orchard Care Homes; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent care home provider in Wakefield is seeking a dedicated Chef to create nutritious meals and supervise kitchen operations. The role involves planning a variety of meals according to dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, and managing a supportive team. The ideal candidate should have experience in meal preparation and strong leadership abilities. This position offers competitive pay, training opportunities, and a chance to engage with residents, making it a vital role in the community.

Benefits

Access to Blue Light Discount Card

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Recognition schemes for dedicated staff

Free Uniform

Access to Employee Support Hub

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing nutritious and balanced meals.
• Knowledge of food safety guidelines and dietary requirements.
• Ability to work in a team and lead kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare a variety of meals according to dietary needs.
• Supervise kitchen staff and manage food orders and stock.
• Ensure the kitchen meets health and safety standards.

Skills

Meal preparation

Food safety compliance

Team leadership

Customer engagement

Job description

340 Leeds Road, Lofthouse, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF3 3QQ

Chef

Job Type: Permanent

Job Category: Catering

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Pay: £14.29 per hour

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. At Orchard Care Homes, our kitchens are no different. They are at the centre of all our homes and provide delicious, and nutritious home cooked meals for everyone.

Care Home Chef - 36 hours per week

Pay rate: £14.29ph

Location: Lofthouse Grange & Lodge Care Home - 340 Leeds Road, Lofthouse, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF3 3QQ

Introduction to the role

A talented Chef can bring to life a few ingredients that evoke memories of the past and bring warmth to an individual.

Orchard Care Homes values its kitchen staff, and we reward colleagues with training, support and the freedom to cook up a storm.

Working with the Home Manager and care staff, you will create nutritious and balanced meals that cater for the individual needs of those living in the home. You will supervise a dedicated team to prepare daily meals, manage the food orders, stock levels and maintenance of vital equipment.

Following food safety guidelines, you will ensure the kitchen is fit for purpose and able to complete the daily meals on time.

This is a vital role in all our homes. If you would like to know more or would like to visit our kitchens, please apply and a member of the team will be in touch.

Main Duties

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of meals which are appealing, nutritious and centre around the individuals’ preferences, requests or any special dietary requirements, following Orchard Care Homes’ Good Food Guide and, where appropriate, make amendments after authorisation from the Support Centre.
• Be active and encouraging, provide advice and guidance for the team ensuring the Care Home is a friendly, supportive working environment.
• Understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements relevant such as HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, Environmental Health, all aspects of the Care Standards Act, have a clear understanding of Infection Prevention and Control policies, procedures and measures to maintain a safe environment throughout the home.
• Implement, monitor and maintain cleaning schedules that meet the requirements of the Food Safety Manual, and ensure that all areas of the kitchen are immaculately clean. This will include the washing up of pots, pans and dishes when required.
• Ensure sufficient food stocks are ordered and received from approved suppliers and that stock rotation is taking place to maintain optimum freshness of all foodstuffs ensuring the highest quality expected within Orchard Care Home.
• Engage with residents in a friendly and kind manner, ensuring their dietary preferences and needs are met, and create a positive dining experience for everyone.

Desirable

• Knowledge of texture modified diets and food allergens.
• Knowledge of modified diets and creating specific meal plans to suit an individual’s needs.

Benefits

• Access to Blue Light Discount Card.
• Excellent training and progression opportunities, from day one, with career pathways to enable you to grow and develop.
• Recognition schemes, such as ‘Making a Difference’ and an annual awards ceremony, recognising our dedicated staff team.
• Free Uniform and car parking.
• Access to our 24/7 Employee Support Hub offering confidential support on personal and professional issues.

About Lofthouse Grange & Lodge Care Home

Located with easy links to Leeds and Wakefield, Lofthouse Grange & Lodge is a modern home specialising in the care of older people. The Grange provides 24hr residential care for 31 residents, and the Lodge provides additional round the clock dementia care to 57 residents.

Orchard Care Homes has been providing care for older people for over 15 years. We are committed to being at the heart of the local community and delivering the same level of care that we would all wish for our loved ones.

We believe in investing in our people. Your professional development will be actively encouraged, with plenty of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

At Orchard Care Homes, we value our employees. Find out more about our wide range of benefits.