Cook

Shrewsbury Full-Time No home office possible
Housing Plus Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations and hygiene standards.
  • Company: Join one of the West Midlands' largest housing and care providers, dedicated to creating welcoming homes.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a beautiful setting with a caring team.
  • Qualifications: Food Safety Level Two or higher, significant kitchen experience, and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: This role requires an Enhanced DBS disclosure due to its nature.

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can support others every day? We\’re looking for a Cook to join us at our Nursing Home in Church Stretton, Shropshire.

The Sandford Nursing Home is a happy, welcoming environment set amongst the Shropshire hills with luxurious accommodation and expert, nursing‑led care.

In this role, you\’ll oversee the ordering, purchasing and invoicing of supplies within budget, ensure all food is stored, prepared and cooked to the highest standards of hygiene, and plan menus that meet the dietary needs of our residents. You\’ll also manage cleaning schedules, maintain kitchen equipment, and play an active role in meal preparation. With a strong focus on health and safety, you\’ll lead by example, ensuring staff follow best practice while creating nutritious, well‑balanced meals that support residents\’ wellbeing.

Hours of work for this role are 18 hours per week; working every other weekend Saturday and Sunday (6:30am – 4:00pm).

Due to the nature of this post, the role is subject to an Enhanced with Adult Barred DBS disclosure.

Qualifications

  • Holds Food Safety Level Two (or higher) or equivalent
  • Significant experience within a working kitchen and kitchen management
  • Experience of managing a team
  • Excellent food preparation skills
  • Ability to present and organise arrangements for kitchen planning
  • Good verbal communication skills with good written skills
  • Working knowledge of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Our Way of Working

  • Own it – make it happen
  • Improve it – move things forward.
  • Live it – show understanding and compassion

We\’re one of the West Midlands\’ largest housing and care providers, with over 33,000 homes and a bold vision for the future. We create places people are proud to call home.

Inclusive Culture

The Housing Plus Group is an inclusive employer committed to supporting all employees. We know that people perform better when they can be themselves, so creating a culture which is inclusive isn\’t only the right thing to do, but is crucial to the success of any organisation. All of our employee networks make a positive contribution to how we are able to support all of our staff and includes networks such as:

  • LGBTQ+ employee group
  • Disability positive network
  • Heritage and culture network
  • Allies\’ network

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Cook employer: Housing Plus Group

At The Sandford Nursing Home in Church Stretton, Shropshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment where our team members can truly make a difference in the lives of our residents. As a Cook, you will enjoy a fulfilling role with opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a picturesque setting surrounded by the beautiful Shropshire hills. We value our employees and promote a culture of ownership, improvement, and empathy, ensuring that you feel valued and empowered in your position.
Housing Plus Group

Contact Detail:

Housing Plus Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cook

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of residents in a nursing home setting. Understanding how to cater for various health conditions can set you apart and show that you're genuinely interested in the wellbeing of the residents.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you've led a team in a busy kitchen environment, ensuring high standards of hygiene and food safety are maintained.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your knowledge of food safety regulations, particularly COSHH. Being able to talk confidently about these regulations will show that you take health and safety seriously, which is crucial in a nursing home.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your menu planning skills. Think of examples where you've created nutritious meals that cater to specific dietary requirements, as this will showcase your ability to meet the needs of the residents.

We think you need these skills to ace Cook

Food Safety Level Two (or higher)
Kitchen Management Experience
Team Management Skills
Excellent Food Preparation Skills
Menu Planning
Budget Management
Strong Verbal Communication Skills
Good Written Communication Skills
Knowledge of COSHH Regulations
Health and Safety Compliance
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Ability to Create Nutritious Meals
Cleaning Schedule Management
Kitchen Equipment Maintenance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Cook position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant experience in kitchen management and food preparation. Mention any previous roles where you managed a team or oversaw kitchen operations, as this is crucial for the position.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to include your Food Safety Level Two certification or equivalent in your application. If you have additional qualifications related to health and safety, be sure to mention those as well.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for creating nutritious meals and supporting residents' wellbeing. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the company's values and how you embody them.

How to prepare for a job interview at Housing Plus Group

✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills

Be prepared to discuss your food preparation techniques and any special dishes you excel at. Bring examples of menus you've created or meals you've prepared that highlight your ability to cater to dietary needs.

✨Demonstrate Team Management Experience

Since the role involves managing a team, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure everyone follows health and safety standards.

✨Understand the Importance of Hygiene

Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and hygiene practices. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and ensure compliance with COSHH guidelines.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Care

This role is about supporting residents' wellbeing through nutrition. Share your motivation for working in a nursing home environment and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents.

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