At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve high-quality meals while supervising a dedicated team.
- Company: Ayrshire Hospice, a caring environment focused on patient wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive team with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to quality care and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Food hygiene certification and supervisory experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will be required to prepare, cook and serve a wide range of high-quality nutritious food including therapeutic diets for patients, relatives, staff and visitors to the Ayrshire Hospice. You will also be required to supervise staff involved in all aspects of food preparation, service, wash-up and cleaning duties related to the provision of the catering service, contributing to the creation of a safe, secure and caring environment for patients and relatives by demonstrating a sensitive and professional attitude. This will be in line with Food Safety Regulations, Food Fluid and Nutritional care Guidelines, Health and Safety, Infection Control and COSHH Regulations.
Main Responsibilities:
- Preparation, production and presentation of catering and hospitality services to patients, relatives, staff and visitors to the Hospice.
- Assist manager with the training of staff in the appropriate use of machinery and other aspects of work related to their duties.
- Minimising food waste by ensuring economic and correct use of provisions and the use of standard recipes at all times.
- Ensure that all products comply with allergen/labelling regulations.
- Supervise and co-ordinate catering assistants to ensure daily catering activities are achieved within timescales.
- Maintain safe systems of work and a safe working environment in accordance with Health & Safety Policy and Procedures, COSHH, The Food Safety Act (1990), Food Hygiene Regulations (2006), and Infection Control.
- Ensure the correct receipt and storage of foodstuffs and supplies, checking deliveries for temperature, quantity, quality and ensuring all goods are stored correctly and that stock rotation procedures are followed.
- Recording temperatures as specified in HACCP.
- Ensure efficient use of resources (food/cleaning products).
- Report faulty/damaged equipment in accordance with Hospice Policies and Procedures.
- Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and with volunteers.
- Ensure high standards of personal hygiene are maintained.
- Liaise with clinical staff regarding patients’ dietary and nutritional needs and preferences.
- Adopt a degree of responsibility for and have an awareness of food production and presentation at all times.
- Daily completion of Cook Safe System and HACCP Systems.
- Cleaning and sanitising of own work areas and equipment as used.
- Supervise and monitor the completion of cleaning schedules as per the HACCP system.
- Ensure the security of the kitchen, stores and equipment.
- Ensure rubbish/waste is disposed of correctly.
- Suggest and introduce new menus/food items as appropriate.
- Order foodstuffs and supplies in the absence of the Catering Manager.
- Demonstrate a sensitive and professional attitude in accordance with the Hospice values.
- Comply with Health & Safety regulations including manual handling/risk assessment/fire safety training.
- Accurate recording of sign in/out procedures.
- Complete all training requirements e.g. Mandatory & Statutory Training, Moodle & job specific requirements.
- Work with other senior members of the catering team and front of house to ensure seamless provision of catering throughout the hospice.
Person Specification Requirement:
- Education / Qualifications
- City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or SVQ/NVQ Equivalent: Essential
- Food Hygiene Certificate – Intermediate: Essential
- Food Allergy Awareness Certificate: Desirable
- Knowledge/Experience
- Cook Safe Systems: Essential
- Health and Safety Regulations: Essential
- COSHH Regulations: Essential
- Previous Supervisory Experience with the Ability to Lead and Coordinate a Team: Essential
- Previous Experience in a Healthcare Setting: Desirable
- Knowledge of Hospice Services: Desirable
- Ability/Skills
- Good Communication Skills: Essential
- Stock Control Experience: Essential
- IT Skills: Essential
- Ability to Work Under Pressure in a Busy Catering Environment: Essential
- Ability to Work Without Supervision: Essential
- Time Management Skills: Essential
- Personal Qualities
- Good Team Player: Essential
- Motivated: Essential
- Positive Attitude to Work: Essential
- Trustworthy: Essential
- Honest: Essential
Closing Date: April 26th 2026. Please note, we may decide to close the advert earlier if we receive a high volume of applications.
Bank - Cook employer: Ayrshire Hospice
At Ayrshire Hospice, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our culinary team in creating a nurturing environment for patients and their families. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through training opportunities and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that every cook can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a serene setting, we offer a unique chance to be part of a compassionate organisation dedicated to providing high-quality care and nutritious meals, all while adhering to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank - Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Ayrshire Hospice and its values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their multidisciplinary team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to food safety, dietary needs, and team coordination. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or even a sample menu you've created. This can really impress the interviewers and demonstrate your creativity and expertise in catering.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bank - Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and any relevant experience. We want to see how you can whip up high-quality, nutritious meals, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience:If you've worked in a healthcare setting or have supervisory experience, let us know! Share specific examples of how you've led a team or managed food safety regulations. It’ll help us see how you fit into our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Show us your sensitive and caring attitude, especially since you'll be working with patients and their families.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire Hospice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations, COSHH, and the Cook Safe Systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Show Off Your Supervisory Skills
Since the role involves supervising staff, be prepared to share examples of your previous supervisory experience. Talk about how you've led a team, trained new staff, or handled any challenges that arose during busy shifts.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position requires working as part of a multidisciplinary team, so highlight your ability to collaborate with others. Share stories that showcase your teamwork skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life scenarios in the kitchen. Think about how you would manage food waste, ensure allergen compliance, or deal with a sudden rush of orders. Practising these responses can give you an edge.
