At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious home-cooked Scottish meals for older residents, focusing on health and nutrition.
- Company: Bield, a leading provider of housing and support services for older people in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy great working hours, up to 34 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible casual work opportunities available; we support all applicants, including those with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while enjoying a fantastic work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Interest in cooking and understanding of dietary needs; training provided for beginners.
Bield have a great opportunity for a Chef/ Cook who is looking to move away from late nights and long hours in the kitchen to an extremely rewarding role, preparing traditional home cooked Scottish fare on a daily basis. This is an ideal position for someone who takes pride in home cooking and the nutrition of older people.
Donaldson Court offers safe and secure homes designed especially for those 60 and over. The development is situated in the Leith area of Edinburgh close to local amenities. There are good transport links to Ocean Terminal and the city centre.
The right candidates will benefit from daytime work and great work life balance as you will be expected to prepare a main meal for lunch time and a lighter meal in the early evening. Hours of employment are an average of 28 hours per week organised as follows:
- Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
- Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00am - 5:30pm (includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break)
Bield Offer:
- Great working hours – no late shifts or night-time working
- Excellent holidays of up to 34 days each year (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Option to buy or sell holidays each year
- Bield cover the cost of Disclosure checks for employment opportunities
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Long Service Awards
- Family Friendly Policies
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Career breaks
- Employee Assistance Programme
Role Requirements:
Bield is one of the largest providers of housing and support services to older people in Scotland and everyone plays an important role in making sure that our services improve the lives of older people in Scotland. You will have the opportunity to place health and nutrition of older people at the centre of our meals service, working closely with our tenants to plan and prepare menus that meet individual preferences and dietary requirements.
It is paramount that all food hygiene and health and safety standards set by Bield and external regulators are met, therefore an Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent would be desirable. You must have an interest in cooking and delivering a high standard of meal service, ideally with an understanding of nutritional and dietary requirements of older people. Previous experience is desirable but training will be provided if you are starting out.
If you are interested in working with us on a flexible basis, providing cover for holidays, absence or at peak times, please contact Bield’s HR team directly to find out more about casual work opportunities.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) which means you must disclose all unspent and relevant spent convictions on your application.
Bield is a proud disability confident accredited employer. As users of the disability symbol, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the vacancy minimum criteria. In order to help you succeed, we will make all required reasonable adjustments to facilitate your inclusion during our recruitment and selection process. Adjustments will vary from person to person; if you wish to discuss how Bield can support you throughout the recruitment process, please email and a member of the team will get in touch.
Cook employer: Bield Housing Association
Bield is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding Cook position in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh, where you can enjoy a great work-life balance with no late shifts. With generous holiday allowances, family-friendly policies, and a commitment to employee growth, Bield prioritises the well-being of both its staff and the older community it serves, making it a fulfilling place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with friends, family, or even former colleagues about your job search. You never know who might have a lead on a cooking role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in the culinary field. Share your passion for home cooking and nutrition, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish and share it on social media or even in person at a local event. This is a great way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of landing that dream cook position. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking, especially for older people. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your passion for home-cooked meals and nutrition.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we're looking for, like food hygiene knowledge or menu planning for dietary needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Chef/Cook position.
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 you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bield Housing Association
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with traditional Scottish dishes and the nutritional needs of older people. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these elements into your cooking, showing that you understand the role's focus on health and nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your love for home cooking and how it aligns with the values of Bield. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to providing quality meals for older adults.
✨Understand the Work-Life Balance
Emphasise your appreciation for the daytime hours and work-life balance offered by this role. Discuss how this schedule allows you to maintain a high standard of meal preparation without the stress of late-night shifts.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the menu planning process or how Bield supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
