Head Cook

5. Ordering, stock control and suppliers

You will:

• order food and kitchen supplies in line with home requirements and agreed budgets
• monitor stock levels and avoid unnecessary waste
• rotate stock correctly so older stock is used first
• check deliveries and report concerns about quality, shortages or incorrect items
• maintain safe, clean and organised storage areas
• liaise with suppliers where required
• be conscious of cost control, efficiency and value for money without compromising resident experience

6. Communication and teamwork

You will:

• communicate clearly with the Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, Head of Care, Senior Care Assistants, Lifestyle / Activities team and other colleagues
• report any concerns about residents’ appetite, weight, swallowing, hydration, mood or food intake to the appropriate person
• respond constructively to feedback from residents, relatives, colleagues and managers
• contribute to meetings, menu reviews and improvements in food service
• support a culture where food is seen as part of care, not just a task

7. Safeguarding and resident wellbeing

You will:

• understand that food, hydration, nutrition and mealtimes can affect resident health and wellbeing
• report concerns promptly, including changes in appetite, swallowing, unexplained refusal of food, weight loss concerns or distress around mealtimes
• protect residents’ dignity, choice and preferences
• follow safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures where required

Behavioural Attributes

In this role, you will be expected to be:

• proud of food quality, presentation and resident experience
• organised, calm and practical under pressure
• reliable, punctual and consistent
• detail-conscious with food safety, records, allergies and stock control
• respectful of residents’ choices, preferences, dignity and cultural needs
• confident supporting and guiding kitchen colleagues
• collaborative with care, activities, housekeeping and management teams
• open to feedback from residents and families
• honest when mistakes, shortages or quality issues occur
• proactive in improving menus, systems and standards
• careful with budgets and waste without compromising care

What Good Looks Like in This Role

Good performance in this role means:

• residents receive meals that are safe, nutritious, varied and enjoyable
• menus reflect resident preferences, dietary needs and seasonal variety
• the kitchen runs calmly, cleanly and efficiently
• food safety records, audits and checks are completed accurately and on time
• stock is well managed, correctly stored and not wasted unnecessarily
• kitchen staff are clear, supported and accountable
• residents, families and staff have confidence in the food service
• mealtimes feel dignified, calm and person-centred
• concerns about appetite, nutrition or dietary risks are escalated early
• the kitchen supports Oaklands’ values and contributes to residents feeling at home

This Role Is Not Suitable For Individuals Who:

• see care home food as basic catering rather than part of resident wellbeing
• cut corners with food hygiene, allergens, records or temperatures
• dislike menu planning, stock control, audits or supervision responsibilities
• are uncomfortable leading or supporting colleagues
• become flustered or disorganised under pressure
• ignore resident preferences, feedback or dietary needs
• are careless with waste, ordering or budget awareness
• resist working collaboratively with care and activities teams
• are unreliable with timekeeping or attendance
• avoid reporting concerns, mistakes or safety issues

Training and Development

You will be expected to:

• participate in induction, supervision and appraisal processes
• complete all mandatory and role-specific training
• engage in continuous learning and development
• contribute to your own development and the development of the kitchen team
• ask for support when you are unsure or need further guidance
• apply learning in day-to-day practice so residents benefit from safe, nutritious and person-centred food service
• support kitchen colleagues to understand and apply training in practice

General Responsibilities

You will be expected to:

• attend meetings, training and supervision as required
• adhere to all company policies and procedures
• work in line with Oaklands’ values and expected behaviours
• maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• follow safeguarding, whistleblowing, infection control, health and safety, food safety and data protection requirements
• use Oaklands’ systems and documentation properly
• work flexibly and collaboratively to meet the needs of residents and the home
• carry out reasonable duties requested by the management team in line with the role

Person Specification

Essential

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• previous experience cooking in a professional kitchen or similar setting
• strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe kitchen practice
• ability to prepare nutritious, appetising and varied meals
• ability to lead, support or guide kitchen colleagues
• confidence with menu planning and adapting meals to resident needs
• understanding of allergies, special diets and dietary preferences
• good organisation and ability to manage a busy kitchen calmly
• ability to complete food safety records, checks and audit documentation accurately
• ability to manage stock, ordering and waste responsibly
• respect for older people and residents living with dementia
• willingness to work collaboratively with care, activities and management teams
• reliability, punctuality and pride in high standards

Desirable

The following are helpful:

• previous experience as a Head Cook, kitchen supervisor or chef in a care home, healthcare, school, hospitality or similar environment
• food hygiene qualification
• nutrition or special diets experience
• experience supporting modified diets, allergies or texture-adapted meals
• experience managing kitchen audits, stock control and supplier ordering
• experience supporting supervisions, induction or team development
• experience working around older people or people living with dementia

Expected Outcomes

In this role, success means:

• residents enjoy safe, nutritious and person-centred meals
• menus are varied, reviewed and aligned to resident preferences and needs
• kitchen records, audits and checks are completed properly
• food hygiene and environmental health standards are maintained
• stock and ordering are controlled effectively
• kitchen colleagues are supported and clear about expectations
• food waste is minimised without compromising quality
• mealtime concerns are communicated promptly to the right people
• the kitchen is clean, organised and inspection-ready
• Oaklands’ values are reflected in both food service and kitchen leadership

Additional Requirements

This role requires:

• satisfactory DBS check where required for the role