At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations and ensuring food safety.
- Company: Join a compassionate care provider dedicated to quality support.
- Benefits: Earn £12.30 per hour with flexible hours and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a difference by preparing meals that nourish and delight those in need.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery preferred; experience in kitchens is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Artek: Artek is a UK-based recruitment and development firm specialising in HR talent solutions. Our mission is “Enrich to Evolve” — supporting individuals and organisations through recruitment, training, and career development. This position is being recruited by Artek on behalf of our valued client, a trusted care provider committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred support to individuals in need of care.
Location – Bishop Auckland, UK
Hours: 33.5 hours per week (3.5 days)
Pay Rate: £12.30 per hour
Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook/Chef to prepare high-quality, nutritious, and appetising meals in a busy kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning menus, cooking delicious dishes, and maintaining excellent hygiene and food safety standards in line with UK regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare balanced and varied menus, considering dietary needs, allergies, and budget constraints.
- Cook and present meals to a high standard, ensuring portion control and minimal waste.
- Monitor and manage food stock levels, including ordering and proper storage.
- Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment in compliance with UK Food Safety (HACCP) standards.
- Prepare ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and sauces efficiently and safely.
- Operate and clean kitchen equipment correctly and safely.
- Check food temperatures and ensure safe cooking and storage practices.
- Supervise and guide junior kitchen staff, delegating tasks where needed.
- Adapt menus for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, pureed).
- Ensure timely meal service according to scheduled serving times.
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of cooking methods, ingredients, and kitchen operations.
- Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and control food costs.
- Good understanding of UK Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.
- Efficient and calm under pressure, with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent food presentation and portion control.
- Good communication and basic leadership skills.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent (preferred).
- Proven experience in a similar role (restaurant, pub, school, or care home).
- Commis Chefs with strong catering training and confidence are encouraged to apply.
Personal Attributes:
- Responsible and disciplined.
- Passionate about food and customer satisfaction.
- Team-oriented and cooperative.
- Reliable, punctual, and calm under pressure.
Cook/Chef in Bishop Auckland employer: Artek Mentorship
Contact Detail:
Artek Mentorship Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook/Chef in Bishop Auckland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, join culinary groups on social media, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any special menus you've crafted. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job ads to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or care homes you admire and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented cooks and chefs like you. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and keeps everything in one place.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook/Chef in Bishop Auckland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking experience and any special dishes you excel at. We want to see your passion for food and how you can bring that to our kitchen!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Cook/Chef role. Mention specific skills like menu planning and food safety that match what we're looking for.
Keep It Clean and Professional: Just like in the kitchen, cleanliness matters! Make sure your application is well-organised and free of typos. A polished application shows us you care about the details, just like you would with food presentation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artek Mentorship
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of cooking methods, ingredients, and kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you prepare them, as this shows your passion and expertise in the culinary field.
✨Menu Planning Mastery
Prepare to talk about how you would plan balanced menus considering dietary needs and budget constraints. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully created a menu that catered to specific requirements.
✨Show Off Your Hygiene Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations. During the interview, highlight your commitment to maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen environment, as this is crucial for any cook or chef role.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your teamwork skills and ability to supervise junior staff. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in a busy kitchen, showcasing your leadership qualities and how you handle pressure while keeping the team motivated.