At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create delicious, nutritious meals for families and children.
- Company: Join our vibrant Family Hubs and Children’s Centres community.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, permanent position, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic café environment with opportunities to connect with the community.
- Why this job: Bring your culinary creativity to life while serving smiles every day!
- Qualifications: Experience as a Cook and relevant training certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 25920 - 31680 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Terms & Conditions: 2 x 30 hours per week, Part Time, Permanent
Department: People, Education
Closing Date: 19th August 2026
Interviews: 4th September 2026
Exciting Opportunity for Cook: Join Our Family Hubs and Children’s Centres!
Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? We’re thrilled to announce openings for a passionate Cook at our vibrant Family Hubs and Children’s Centres!
Why Join Us?
Dive into the heart of our community at one of our 8 dynamic Café environments where you’ll be instrumental in delivering delicious, nutritious meals to families and children. Imagine running bustling Community Cafés, whipping up healthy dishes, and serving up smiles every day!
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the Kitchen: Oversee the daily operations of our busy cafés, ensuring top-notch service and scrumptious meals for both adults and children.
- Get Creative: We want your fresh ideas! Bring your innovative recipes and culinary flair to our kitchen, especially if you love baking delightful cakes and biscuits to tantalize our customers.
- Plan Menus: Collaborate with us to create a diverse array of healthy meal options, ensuring that every plate is both nourishing and satisfying.
- High Volume, High Quality: During peak times like half-term and summer, you’ll rise to the challenge of delivering quality meals in large quantities, while keeping an eye on budget efficiency.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Motivated Culinary Artist: You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are dedicated to maintaining high cooking standards.
- Customer Service Champion: Your ability to connect with a diverse range of customers makes you a perfect fit for this customer-facing role.
- Safety & Cleanliness Advocate: You understand the importance of food safety, hygiene, and maintaining a pristine kitchen.
Qualifications:
Experience as a Cook and a relevant training certificate or City & Guilds qualification are essential.
If you’re a self-driven Cook eager to create delicious meals while supporting our community, we want to hear from you! Join us in making a difference, one meal at a time.
Cook employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible and hybrid working options, the council fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, empowering employees to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of Adult Social Care services. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and invests in your development.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Blackburn with Darwen Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Blackburn with Darwen Council 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 Cook
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 Blackburn with Darwen Council 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨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!
