Cook

Healthcare Ireland Group; Newry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Newry seeks a passionate Cook to deliver high-quality dining experiences at Carlingford Lodge Care Home. This role involves supporting the kitchen team, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and managing food preparation. Applicants should have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a Basic Food Safety certificate. Attractive benefits include paid leave, competitive salary of £13.50 per hour, and opportunities for professional development. Join a committed team making a real difference in residents' lives.

Benefits

Paid annual leave

Continuous professional development

Pension plan (if applicable)

Free parking

Employee Recognition Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience as a Cook in a food preparation/kitchen environment or a similar role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of dietary needs, nutritional and cultural requirements of elderly people.
• Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team along with the Chef.
• Effective planning, preparation, and delivery of food.
• Ensure operational standards comply.
• Assist with monitoring the home's catering budget.
• Create varied and interesting menus.
• Organise stock ordering and rotation efficiently.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Understanding dietary needs

Education

Basic Food Safety certificate

Job description

Join the Team at Carlingford Lodge Care Home

Located in the picturesque port town of Warrenpoint, nestled at the head of Carlingford Lough and just five miles south of Newry, Carlingford Lodge Care Home offers a warm and supportive environment for our residents. Our home provides nursing care for 58 residents across three specialised units: General Nursing, Dementia Nursing, and General Residential.

Led by our Home Manager, our professional team of nurses and carers work closely together, supported by dedicated administrative staff and ancillary teams including housekeeping, catering, and maintenance, to ensure the highest standard of care.

If you are passionate about delivering compassionate, person‑centred care in a beautiful setting, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Cook is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Cook works closely with the Chef, supporting with menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards.

The Cook has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high‑quality, person‑centred dining experiences.

This role is about a lot more than preparing meals, this role is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team along with the Chef, providing the necessary training and support, encouraging development, motivation and best practice.
• Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking.
• Ensuring operational standards comply.
• Assist with monitoring the homes catering budget.
• Assist with developing and creating varied and interesting menus.
• Ensure that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost‑effective manner.
• Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager.

The Benefits

• Paid annual leave
• The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
• Continuous professional development and training
• Values‑led culture
• Overtime available at an enhanced rate
• Opportunities for progression
• Pension plan (if applicable)
• Attractive hourly rate
• Access NI fee paid for
• Uniforms and PPE provided
• Monthly incentives and recognition awards
• Free parking
• Retirement plan and/or pension
• Employee development programs
• Competitive salary
• Social Opportunities
• Employee Recognition Scheme

Required Criteria

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Minimum 2 years experience as Cook in a food preparation/kitchen environment or a similar role.
• Hold a basic Food Safety certificate.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of the dietary needs, nutritional and cultural requirements of elderly people.
• The ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Have basic knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.

Desired Criteria

• Experience in a care home or healthcare environment is desirable but not essential.

About The Company

We are passionate about providing the highest standards of care in safe, positive and flexible environments, which enable each person who uses our services to achieve their potential. We are committed to providing each employee with a fulfilling working environment, encouraging personal and professional development. We aim to be a first class, independent organisation delivering innovative, collaborative and value for money services.

Our ultimate purpose is to work with the people who use our services and their families and friends, to enable them to take control of their lives.

Company Culture

We’re always on the look out for people who care, whether that’s caring for our residents, or in one of our roles like laundry, kitchen, administration or maintenance.

Our passionate, ever‑growing team means that you’ll be working with people who pride themselves on the work they do. Each of our Homes and our Head Office work together to achieve something excellent that truly makes a difference in peoples lives.

Caring for our residents is at the heart of all we do, and we’d love to have you join the team.

Company Benefits

Healthcare Ireland Group is not just a workplace; it's a community where your work has a purpose, and your contributions are valued.

If you're passionate about making a difference and are seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, we welcome you to explore opportunities with us and help continue our legacy of excellence in care.

Salary

£13.50 per hour

We do not offer sponsorship for this role.

Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.