At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new kitchen service and create nutritious meals for residents.
- Company: Active Pathways, a leader in mental health rehabilitation services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, annual leave, health cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture committed to growth and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through food and support their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Cook or Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
To ensure consistency in our care delivery, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.
As we put the finishing touches to our exciting new Droylsden service, interviews for this role will be conducted at one of our established services in Preston or Leeds. NEW SERVICE OPENING IN NOVEMBER - Willow Rise Start Date Anticipated - 2nd November
Location: Droylsden, Manchester
Pay: £14.50 per hour
Hours: Full-Time - 37.5 Hours Per Week
Cook With Purpose - Be Part of Something New. Active Pathways is coming to Manchester. In November 2026, we will open Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden—and we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Head Cook to lead our kitchen from day one.
This is more than a cooking role. This is your opportunity to:
- Create a kitchen service that is at the heart of recovery and wellbeing
- Build and lead your own kitchen team and environment
- Help shape the experience of our very first residents
- Be part of launching something meaningful, exciting, and new
Why This Role Matters
At Willow Rise, food is more than nutrition—it’s comfort, routine, independence, and connection. As Head Cook, you’ll play a key role in supporting recovery by delivering high-quality, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that meet individual needs and preferences. You’ll also contribute to a safe, welcoming and therapeutic environment, where residents feel valued and supported.
- Lead a brand-new kitchen service
- Make a real difference to people's daily lives
- Combine creativity with structure and care
- Support residents to engage with food, cooking, and life skills
About Willow Rise
Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered. Inspired by the Willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence.
Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
At its core, Willow Rise represents:
- Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
- Rise — progress, empowerment, and the belief that everyone can move forward
The Best Bits
- Annual leave of 22 days, plus Bank Holidays
- Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £500 per referral
- Health Cash Plan - covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free Blue Light Card membership
- Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
What You'll Be Doing
As Head Cook, you will:
- Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, and high-quality meals tailored to residents’ needs
- Ensure all meals meet dietary, cultural, and allergen requirements
- Lead, supervise, and support kitchen staff, including rota planning and development
- Manage stock ordering, budgets, and kitchen resources effectively
- Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control
- Contribute to a positive, welcoming dining experience for residents and visitors
- Involve and support residents in kitchen-based activities where appropriate
- Lead on audits, inspections, and continuous improvement within the kitchen
What We're Looking For
- Experience as a Head Cook, Chef, or in a similar leadership role
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen compliance standards
- Experience planning meals for diverse dietary and nutritional needs
- Ability to lead, organise, and motivate a team
- Good stock control and budget management skills
- A positive, flexible, and proactive approach
- A genuine interest in supporting people in a care environment
Build Your Career With Us
At Active Pathways, we believe every role contributes to recovery—and every colleague has the opportunity to grow. Whether you want to develop your leadership skills, expand your knowledge, or progress into wider roles, we’ll support your journey.
Why Join Active Pathways?
With over 20 years of experience in delivering outstanding mental health and rehabilitation services, Active Pathways is built on our CARE values, which shape everything we do:
- Competent - We deliver safe, consistent, high-quality care that puts our residents first
- Accountable - We act with transparency, take ownership, and build trust in everything we do
- Resilient - We support one another, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger together
- Ethical - We treat everyone with integrity, fairness, and respect
When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.
Build Your Leadership Career With Us
At Active Pathways, we don’t just develop carers—we develop leaders. We invest in your growth because we know great leadership drives outstanding care. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, help build a brand-new service, and make a lasting difference— Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.
Head Cook in Manchester employer: Active Pathways
Active Pathways Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and residents. Located in Armley, Leeds, this role provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and development, ensuring that you can make a real difference in the lives of those with enduring mental health needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Active Pathways. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Active Pathways
Don't be shy about reaching out to Active Pathways directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Active Pathways and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Pathways
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
