Senior Chef

The Home

At Healthcare Ireland, we are proud to introduce Loughside Care Village, our newest flagship development in the heart of Carrickfergus. More than a care facility, Loughside is a luxurious, state‑of‑the‑art living environment designed to enrich life for its 116 residents, setting a new benchmark in compassionate, expert‑led care. Purpose‑built for people living with dementia, complex care needs, and those under mental health registration, Loughside offers a vibrant, village‑style community centred on dignity, independence, and wellbeing.

Its thoughtful design encourages privacy, stimulation, and meaningful social connection for residents, families and staff alike. Loughside will be home to over 200 dedicated professionals delivering personalised care tailored to each individual. Commissioned in partnership with the Northern Health Trust and developed to meet the highest RQIA standards, it represents a bold step forward in transforming care in Northern Ireland.

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 more than preparing meals; it is essential in ensuring the dietary needs of our residents are met while managing a safe and positive working environment for the team.

• 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 standards
• Researches, develops, and creates varied and interesting menus
• Ensures that stock ordering and rotation is organised in an efficient and cost‑effective manner
• Undertakes any other duties that may be reasonably required as designated by the Home Manager

• 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

• 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.

• Experience in a care home is desirable but not essential.

We do not offer sponsorship for this role.

Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

We are passionate about providing the highest standards of care in safe, positive and flexible environments, which enable each person who uses our services to achieve their potential. We are committed to providing each employee with a fulfilling working environment, encouraging personal and professional development. We aim to be a first class, independent organisation delivering innovative, collaborative and value for money services.

Our ultimate purpose is to work with the people who use our…