At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals for patients and staff, ensuring high standards and food safety.
- Company: Join the award-winning catering team at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and a supportive environment focused on staff happiness.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity, organisation, and excellent customer service in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Must have experience as a cook and relevant qualifications like NVQ level 3 in Cooking.
- Other info: This role is only open to internal applicants; apply before the closing date!
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 25600 £ per year.
The Catering Department at Leigh Infirmary is looking to recruit 2 Cook/Supervisors, working 37.50 hours per week. The roles will suit highly motivated individuals who wish to be part of a high performing, award winning Catering team. The candidates are required to oversee a shift incorporating patient meal service to the highest standards and will be dedicated to providing our patients and staff with an excellent service. Candidates should be hard-working, organised, creative, and passionate about food and customer service. Candidates will be required to present original certificates for qualifications at interview stage.
Main duties of the job:
- Responsible for the safe preparation, cooking and service of food for patient/staff, private patients (including special dietary requirements) and visitor meals.
- Using specified recipes, to strict deadlines, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and monitoring and recording of audit information.
- Preparation and cooking of all food types, following recipes, accurate weighing and measuring of ingredients.
- Producing correct quantities of meals based on numbers required.
- Organise and plan daily work routine to meet strict meal service deadlines.
- Production of meals for external contracts.
- Report faulty equipment, fabric or poor-quality products.
- Checking and recording of all meals for quality, appearance, temperature before service.
- Maintain good communication with colleagues regarding daily activities.
- Always maintain a professional attitude, follow strict personal hygiene and appearance codes.
- Responsible for always keeping own work area clean.
- Propose changes to own working practices to assist in efficiency.
Communications and Key Working Relationships:
- Maintain good communication with colleagues regarding daily activities.
- Attend relevant meetings.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding quality of products or services.
- Liaise across Wards and Departments, advising of menu changes.
- Visit wards frequently to speak to patients regarding meal services, client requests, and queries at ward level.
- Refer patients to a dietician if necessary.
Responsibility for Finance:
- Adhere to Trust Standing Financial Instructions.
- Budgetary control in respect of correct and economical use of materials and equipment.
- Ensure security of the premises and stores.
Responsibility for Human Resources:
- Direct work of catering assistants, including rotas and releasing staff for training courses.
- Responsible for the Welfare of staff under their responsibility.
Responsibility for Health & Safety:
- Compliance with Trust, Risk Assessment and Datix reporting procedures.
- Compliance with local & legislative Food Safety Policies.
Person specification:
- Knowledge of key temperatures controls and Food safety.
- Substantial experience as a cook in a large scale catering operation.
- Qualifications: City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or NVQ level 3 in Cooking & Food Service or equivalent.
- Basic literacy and numeracy required.
Cook employer: Wwl
Contact Detail:
Wwl Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety standards mentioned in the job description. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock daily work routine that aligns with the meal service deadlines. Being able to discuss how you would manage your time effectively can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current employees or reach out to the Catering Department to gain insights into their team dynamics and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in large-scale catering operations, focusing on specific examples where you ensured quality and adhered to food safety protocols. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cook position. Review the job description carefully to identify key skills and experiences that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in cooking and food service. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to meet the job's requirements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ in Cooking & Food Service. If you have certifications in food hygiene or safety, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, express your passion for food and customer service. Mention any creative ideas you have for meal preparation or how you ensure high standards in food safety and quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wwl
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and food service during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and dedication to providing excellent meals, especially in a healthcare setting.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires planning and organisation, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Provide examples of how you've successfully met deadlines in previous roles, particularly in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand Dietary Requirements
Familiarise yourself with common dietary restrictions and special requirements, as this is crucial in a healthcare setting. Be ready to discuss how you would accommodate different needs and ensure patient satisfaction with their meals.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety standards and cooking techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene regulations and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your cooking practices.