At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals for our lovely residents and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Abbeyfield Living Society, a leader in care for older people for nearly 70 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 31 days leave, and instant access to overtime pay.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Certificate and experience cooking for large groups required.
For almost 70 years, Abbeyfield Living Society has been a leading provider of housing and care for older people across England. We are dedicated to exceptional care, and we know it starts with an exceptional team. Are you someone who thrives on making a difference? Join us and build a rewarding career where your skills and compassion truly matter.
Role Details
- Hours: 21 hours a week and alternative weekends. 7am - 3pm
- Pay: £12.96p/h - £13.24p/h
- Location: Abbeyfield House, 120 Moss Lane, Bramhall, SK7 1EE
What Abbeyfield Offers You
- £12.96p/h - £13.24p/h
- 31 days paid leave, including bank/public holidays
- Comprehensive induction
- Work overtime? With Dayforce Wallet, access your extra pay instantly, no waiting until payday!
- Life Assurance
- Free Parking
- Medicash
- Pay progression within role
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Occupational sick pay
- Company pension
- Discounted gym membership
- An employee assistance programme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Shop and save vouchers
The Role of Cook
As a Cook, you’ll have a relevant Certificate in Food Hygiene, or be prepared to obtain one within the first three months in the role. Equally, you will have demonstrable experience of cooking varied, healthy and safe meals to large groups (twelve or more, and sometimes up to 20), on a regular basis. You’ll also have the ability to communicate and interact well with people, and work productively as part of a team. In a modern working environment, naturally you need to be able to read and write to a good standard. You’ll be methodical and highly organised; your kitchen and equipment will be kept clean and tidy, with an effective method of stock rotation. Finally, you should be able to demonstrate an empathy and understanding of the nutritional needs of older people.
About You
In consultation with residents and staff, you'll create healthy balanced menus, with choices which reflect the needs and preferences of residents. You’ll plan, prepare and cook residents’ meals from the agreed menu, taking into account personal preferences or recognised dietary requirements (e.g. diabetes). You’ll also ensure a safe and sufficient supply of catering products, by developing a system of ordering supplies in a timely manner. To ensure good stock control, you’ll make sure catering orders and deliveries are recorded using documentation supplied, to enable all orders to be checked and audited. Maintenance of a system of effective stock rotation and control is paramount, and by doing so, you will manage catering costs within the agreed catering budget. You will also ensure safe and proper use of catering equipment, and report any defects to management. It is also important that you adhere to kitchen cleaning procedures and schedules in accordance with Environmental Health standards, and keep the kitchen and store areas in a clean and hygienic condition. Correct use of all equipment and products in line with COSHH requirements is key, as is the need to keep all COSHH assessments under review. You will also participate in and supervise the completion of all relevant records in relation to food safety.
Please note this role will require eligibility to work in the UK, two satisfactory employment references and an Enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Abbeyfield. You may be asked to provide details regarding convictions; failure to disclose convictions may result in an offer of employment being revoked.
Cook in Bramhall employer: Abbeyfield
Abbeyfield Living Society is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing outstanding care for older people, fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, career development opportunities, and a range of benefits including generous paid leave, life assurance, and access to instant pay. Join us at Abbeyfield House in Bramhall, where your culinary skills will not only be valued but will also make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Bramhall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Abbeyfield Living Society. Understand their values and mission, especially how they care for older people. This will help you connect your passion for cooking with their commitment to exceptional care.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be preparing meals for residents, think about showcasing your ability to create healthy, balanced menus. Maybe even prepare a dish or two that you can talk about during your interview to demonstrate your culinary creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! As a Cook, you'll need to work closely with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated in the kitchen before. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to work as part of a team will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Abbeyfield site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Bramhall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create delicious meals, especially for older people. We want to see that you care about making a difference in their lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in cooking for large groups and any relevant qualifications, like your Food Hygiene Certificate. We’re looking for someone who can handle the kitchen with confidence, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Mention how your skills and experiences match the role of Cook at Abbeyfield. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbeyfield
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research healthy meal options for older people and be ready to discuss how you can cater to their dietary needs. This shows your commitment to their well-being and your culinary skills.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past cooking experiences, especially when it comes to cooking for large groups. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving abilities in a kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working as part of a team, think of examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you’ve worked with others in the kitchen before, whether it’s coordinating meal prep or managing stock control together.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food hygiene and safety standards. Brush up on your knowledge of COSHH requirements and stock rotation methods. Being able to articulate these practices will show that you take food safety seriously and are prepared for the role.