Cook (Hospitality Care Experience)

Cook (Hospitality or Care Background Welcome)

32000 per annum (pro rata)

40 hours per week to include alternate weekends

Willow Lodge 46 Shrewsbury Road Redhill Surrey RH1 6BH

Do you want a fresh approach to food and dining If you are a cook or chef from a hotel restaurant or care background who takes pride in preparing high-quality homemade food this is an opportunity to bring your skills into a setting where food is at the heart of daily life. At Willow Lodge we operate a Household Model of Care where people live in smaller family-style environments. Food is freshly prepared in the kitchen and cooked on each household. This is personal and central to creating a warm and welcoming home as well as delivering a meaningful dining experience every day.

Role Overview

As a Cook you will be responsible for preparing nutritious home-cooked meals tailored to peoples preferences and dietary needs. Working within the kitchen you will work alongside the Head Chef you will help create a dining experience that feels familiar comforting and enjoyable. You will play a key role in supporting wellbeing through food ensuring meals are both high quality and suited to individual requirements including modified diets in line with the IDDSI framework.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare fresh homemade meals using quality ingredients
• Plan and deliver menus that reflect residents preferences and nutritional needs
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements including texture-modified diets (IDDSI)
• Ensure food presentation enhances the overall dining experience
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
• Manage stock ordering and kitchen organisation
• Work closely with care teams to support peoples individual needs

Skills Qualifications and Abilities

• Experience as a cook or chef in a hotel restaurant or care setting
• A passion for producing wholesome home-style food
• Knowledge or willingness to learn the IDDSI framework
• Understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements particularly in older people
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• A team-focused approach with a positive and flexible attitude

The Care Home and Company

Willow Lodge is to open in the late summer of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill combines modern comfort with classic charm offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms spectacular communal areas and beautiful gardens Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional personalised care ensuring everyone feels valued supported and at home at Willow Lodge.

To find out more information about EQ Care please visit our website:

Benefits of working at EQ Care

• ½ day off for your birthday start your celebrations early!
• Blue Light Discount Card access exclusive savings and offers.
• 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
• Salary advance scheme (Level) access earned pay when you need it.
• Contributory pension helping you plan for your future.
• Dedicated Learning & Development continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• Team member rewards recognising and celebrating your hard work.
• Free meals on shift enjoy a meal on us while you work.
• Free tax review service making sure you keep more of what you earn.
• Refer a friend scheme earn up to 500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)

Please note: If you are not a UK resident you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.

** This job description may differ as new information technology policies and contractual agreements change and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice

Required Experience:

IC