Chef based at Stones Place, Lincoln

MHA • Lincoln, NE

9d • Onsite

About The Position

MHA is seeking a skilled and motivated Chef to join the catering team at Stones Place care home in Lincoln. The Chef supports residents’ health, wellbeing and enjoyment of daily life by preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious meals that meet dietary and nutritional needs while respecting personal choice, dignity and cultural preferences. The role also involves maintaining a safe, efficient and welcoming kitchen in accordance with food safety legislation and MHA values.

The Chef works with the Home Manager to plan balanced, appealing menus, including meals suited to individual dietary needs and residents living with dementia. They manage food stocks and ordering within agreed budgets, maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene, and support and supervise kitchen assistants and other kitchen users. The position is 40 hours per week, worked over four 10-hour shifts, with a flexible approach and willingness to work a seven-day rota required. MHA is currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the care home, while inviting people outside that area to discuss whether their commute is manageable.

Requirements

• Previous experience cooking in a care, hospitality, restaurant or pub environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to work a seven-day rota.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and commitment to quality and customer-focused service.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development as required.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant catering qualification, such as City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for occasional events.
• Plan menus with the Home Manager to ensure meals are balanced, appealing and meet individual dietary needs, including those of residents living with dementia.
• Comply with food hygiene, health and safety, and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.
• Manage food stocks and ordering cost-effectively and in accordance with agreed budgets.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in kitchen and food storage areas.
• Supervise and support kitchen assistants and oversee others using the kitchen.
• Assist with the induction and training of new kitchen staff.
• Attend staff and resident meetings where appropriate.

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday including bank holidays, with an option to buy annual leave; holiday entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees.
• Strong pension scheme and life assurance.
• Free DBS checks and uniforms where applicable.
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to a hardship fund.
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies.
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
• Full induction, ongoing training and clear development opportunities.
• Long service awards.
• MHA pays for the DBS check and provides an additional payroll payment equivalent to the standard annual DBS Update Service subscription fee where membership is required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed