Kitchen Chef

Job Posted: 12 June 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: From £14.00
• Industries: Health & Social Care

Job Title

Kitchen Chef / Care Home Chef

Responsible To

Home Manager

Job Purpose

To plan, prepare, cook, and serve nutritious, appetising, and well-balanced meals for residents living with dementia, ensuring dietary, nutritional, cultural, and medical needs are met. The Kitchen Chef is responsible for maintaining high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness while creating a positive dining experience that promotes residents' health, wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare, cook, and present meals, snacks, and beverages to a high standard.
• Plan and produce varied menus that meet residents' nutritional requirements and preferences.
• Cater for special diets, allergies, texture-modified diets, and medical dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are served promptly and at the correct temperature.
• Provide alternative meal options where appropriate.
• Support themed meals, celebrations, and special events within the home.

Dementia-Focused Care

• Understand the nutritional needs of residents living with dementia.
• Promote a positive mealtime experience that encourages independence, dignity, and enjoyment.
• Adapt food presentation and portion sizes to meet individual resident needs.
• Work closely with care staff to monitor residents' eating habits and nutritional intake.
• Respond sensitively to changing dietary needs and preferences.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Act regulations, HACCP principles, and local authority requirements.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene.
• Carry out daily temperature checks and record keeping.
• Ensure safe storage, handling, and disposal of food.
• Report maintenance issues, hazards, or equipment faults promptly.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures at all times.

Stock Control and Budget Management

• Order food supplies and kitchen consumables within agreed budgets.
• Monitor stock levels and minimise waste.
• Check deliveries and ensure stock is rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, stock usage, and waste.

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with the Home Manager, care staff, residents, relatives, and external professionals.
• Supervise and support kitchen assistants where applicable.
• Attend staff meetings and mandatory training sessions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of catering services within the home.