Chef

Chef
Are you an experienced Chef with a passion for food?
Join the Compassionate Team at Blair House Care Home
Blair House Care Home is a well-established, registered nursing facility located on the outskirts of Newtownards, with the iconic Scrabo Tower as its backdrop. Conveniently situated near the town centre, the home is easily accessible via a range of transport options.
Our spacious home offers care and support for up to 85 residents across four specialised units: Residential Dementia, Nursing Dementia, Frail and Elderly Nursing, and our newly opened Mental Health Unit. Each unit is designed to meet the unique needs of our residents in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
At Blair House, we pride ourselves on our experienced, dedicated team who deliver high-quality, person-centred care every day. If you're looking to make a genuine impact as part of a skilled and compassionate care team, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
The food our residents eat plays a key part in the care we offer and as a result, the role of Chef is essential in our mission to provide excellent care. The Chef is responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, kitchen management and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory standards.
This is a leadership role, managing the kitchen team in addition to working closely with the care teams and management of the Home. The Chef has a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents through the provision of high quality, person-centred dining experiences.
This role is about a lot more than preparing meals, this role is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met in addition to managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.
About this role
Main Responsibilities
Effective and efficient planning, preparation, and delivery of all aspects of food preparation and cooking
Supervising and motivating the catering team and ensuring operational standards comply
Responsible for monitoring the home’s catering budget within Healthcare Ireland’s standards
Researches, develops, and creates varied and interesting menus
Ensures that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost-effective manner
Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager
The Benefits:
Paid annual leave
The chance to be part of a growing healthcare company
Continuous professional development and training
Values-led culture
Overtime available at an enhanced rate
Opportunities for progression
Pension plan (if applicable)
Attractive hourly rate
Access NI fee paid for
Uniforms and PPE provided
Monthly incentives and recognition awards
Free parking
We do not offer sponsorship for this role
Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Right to Work in the UK.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience as Chef or a similar role.
- Qualified to NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Management/ NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery.
- Hold an advanced Food Safety certificate.
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to manage a small team, ensuring the kitchen provision operates in line with company expectations, the necessary standards and regulations, whilst providing an exceptional service to our residents.
- Capable of planning nutritious meals, taking into account specific dietary requirements as well as have an understanding of IDDSI modified foods.
- Have knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety, updating this knowledge regularly.
Desired criteria
- Experience in a care home is desirable but not essential.





