Head Cook
- antrim, northern ireland, United Kingdom
- Permanent·On-site
- Full time
Job Description
Head Cook
Main Duties
Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences are met.
Ensure all food is stored, prepared, and served safely in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.
Maintain excellent standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
Oversee and support the kitchen team, ensuring duties are carried out effectively.
Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines and Resident needs.
Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor costs in line with budgets.
Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely.
Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen records as required.
Participate in audits and inspections, ensuring full compliance at all times.
Attend all required training sessions.
Carry out any additional duties as requested by management.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to support the home during busy or unexpected situations.
Promote good housekeeping and safe working practices within the kitchen.
Flexibility to work across multiple homes within the business to support staffing needs.
Administration Duties
Maintain up‑to‑date kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and stock sheets.
Report any equipment faults, hazards, or concerns to the Manager/Deputy Manager.
Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with company procedures.
General & Personal Development
Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
Organised, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pride in maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.
Physically fit to carry out kitchen duties.
Ability to give clear instructions and constructive feedback.
Punctual, professional, and well‑presented.
Flexible approach to working patterns to meet the needs of the Care Home
Flexible approach to work including change of working patterns to suit the Care Home
About the role
The Package:
Competitive rate of pay
Training package from start date
Onsite Training
Free Essential Food Hygiene Training Level 2 & 3
Private health insurance after 3 years
Pension
Free Parking
Free uniform
Support during studies and progression in career opportunities
About the company
Hutchinson Care Homes is a family-owned provider of high-quality nursing and residential care across Northern Ireland. Founded on the values of caring, integrity, and safety, we offer a nurturing environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect. Our services include specialized nursing care, dementia care, residential living, respite stays and day care, all delivered by compassionate, professional staff. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable home where every resident feels valued and can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
Required Criteria
- At least six months experience working with patients within a Care Home Setting
- Excellent interpersonal Skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Desired Criteria
- Enthusiastic and Professional
- Demonstrate a positive attitude when carrying out your duties and be willing to put in an extra effort if an unexpected situation arrives


