Chef/Cook - The Lodge

CQC Rating: Outstanding
Location: The Lodge, 22 Spicer Road, Exeter, EX1 1SY
Hourly Rate: £16.35 per hour
Contract: Full-time, permanent contract
Shifts: 37 hours over a 7 day rota, to include every other weekend.

Elizabeth Finn is a leading care provider providing exceptional care throughout our eight prestigious care homes. Our company values are Bring Love, Inspire More, Act with Purpose and Welcome All.

The Lodge is an elegant and characterful Victorian house, located on Spicer Road, close to the centre of Exeter. Offering outstanding levels of residential and nursing care and a warm welcome for all.

We are seeking an experienced Chef to create delicious, nutritious meals that reflect the preferences and dietary needs of our residents. Our kitchen operates on a planned production model - busy, well organised and never unpredictable. With an à la carte style menu, you'll also have space to bring creativity to seasonal dishes.

And with no late nights, structured rotas and consistent hours, the role offers genuine work-life balance.

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with established menus and dietary requirements, including special diets and allergies.
• Ensure all food is prepared to high standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area following health and safety regulations.
• Assist with menu planning and contribute creative ideas for seasonal and resident preferred dishes.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies to minimise waste.
• Work collaboratively with catering staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Adhere strictly to food hygiene standards and company policies at all times.

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook in hospitality or catering (care experience beneficial but not essential).
• Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and IDDSI, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work 10 hour shifts on a rota including alternate weekends.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene required (Level 3 desirable; training can be supported).
• Strong organisational skills with consistent attention to detail.
• A collaborative, resident focused approach.

• Enhances pay for family leave
• Overtime and bank holiday enhancements to pay
• Group pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay after probation
• Wellbeing support through various initiatives including an employee assistance programme with free counselling and Mental Health First Aiders.
• Opportunity to earn rewards via Care Friends (refer a friend scheme) which you can cash in when you choose
• Free Blue Light card - provides members with thousands of amazing retail discounts
• Long service awards
• Subsidised meals while on duty
• Apprenticeships, continuous learning and development, professional development and study support opportunities

In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment Elizabeth Finn Homes implement a range of procedures and actions including Police/Enhanced DBS Checks to ensure our employees, residents and everyone is safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. This is in line with our company values, which are Bring Love, Inspire More, Act with Purpose and Welcome All.

As this role involves a regulated activity, successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, with barred lists check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a person from working for us, this will depend on the circumstances and background of any record.

Elizabeth Finn strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other's differences. Our ambition is to ensure equality and celebrate diversity, working together to create an inclusive workplace, which attracts, nurtures and retains the best people.

Application deadline: Friday 31 July 2026.

Elizabeth Finn Homes do not currently provide sponsorship, but we welcome applications from those who have a right to work in the UK.