Care Home Cook

Are you a confident, hands-on Cook who loves creating nutritious meals that genuinely make a difference?

Do you thrive in a busy kitchen, enjoy taking the lead, and feel proud knowing the food you prepare enhances someone’s day?

Looking for a permanent opportunity where you can run a kitchen with autonomy, be valued for your skills, and work as part of a supportive, friendly team?

Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be recruiting an experienced Care Home Cook on behalf of a well-established residential care provider in the North East.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a warm, resident-focused home where quality, compassion, and good food are at the heart of everything they do.

The Role

As a Care Home Cook, you will take a central role in delivering high-quality meals for residents. As a result, you’ll directly contribute to health, wellbeing, and enjoyment every single day. You’ll work 33 hours per week across three shifts, and because you’ll be working opposite the Lead Cook, you will often run the kitchen independently. However, occasional crossover days will allow for teamwork and smooth handovers.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, appreciates a well-organised kitchen, and thrives when trusted to get things done.

• Preparing fresh, nutritious meals tailored to resident needs
• Running the kitchen independently across most shifts
• Leading and supporting kitchen assistants when required
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards
• Managing stock, food orders, and kitchen records
• Preparing modified diets (e.g., texture-modified meals)
• Ensuring mealtimes are well-presented, timely, and resident-focused

• Experienced Cook or Chef - ideally within care, education, hospitality, or similar
• Confident running a kitchen and supervising staff
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations
• Understanding of modified diets (advantageous but not essential)
• Reliable, organised, and passionate about creating great food
• Able to work three weekly shifts, opposite the Lead Cook

• Permanent role, 33 hours per week
• Rate of £13.26 per hour
• Supportive team and positive working environment
• A role with real purpose - where your cooking truly matters