At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create delicious meals for patients and staff in a busy hospital kitchen.
- Company: Be part of Hywel Dda University Health Board, serving the community with care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, enhanced weekend rates, pension, and generous holiday package.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for Welsh language support and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing high-quality food in a vital healthcare setting.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant cooking qualifications and a basic food hygiene certificate.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and committed individual to join our team of cooks in a busy Catering Department. The post is a cook's role on a 30 hour contract and you will also be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays on a rota basis. Based at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, you will have the day-to-day responsibility for providing high quality food within a hospital environment.
Main duties of the job
- The successful candidate will need to be able to work as part of a team producing high quality meals for patients, staff and visitors in a busy commercial kitchen.
- A flexible approach to the needs of the service and excellent communication skills are also essential.
- Experience in preparing meals for special dietary needs would be an advantage for this post.
Candidates must have City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation, plus a basic food hygiene certificate. We offer good rates of pay with enhanced weekend rates, Pension and an attractive holiday package. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Working for our organisation
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us. Interviews will be held on 03/02/2026.
Person specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
- Essential criteria
- Basic level of general education
- City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent
- NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
- Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and knowledge of HACCP systems
- Desirable criteria
- Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
- Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve)
- Health and Safety, COSHH, Moving and Handling knowledge
Experience
- Essential criteria
- Previous experience of similar cooks duties
- Desirable criteria
- Experience in similar size establishment or organisation
- Experience of special dietary needs
Language Requirements
- Desirable criteria
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Cook employer: Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywel Dda University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With a focus on quality improvement and patient safety, this role provides unique opportunities for growth in a dynamic healthcare environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about infection prevention and control.
Contact Details:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff or even past employees. This will give you insights into the work culture and what they value in a cook. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the team!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience with special dietary needs, make sure to highlight that during your interview. Bring examples of meals you've prepared that cater to different diets. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and flexibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical tests! In a cooking role, you might be asked to whip up a dish on the spot. Brush up on your cooking techniques and be prepared to showcase your culinary flair. Remember, it’s all about quality and presentation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to keep track of candidates and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your cooking qualifications and experience in your application. We want to see your City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary skills!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and person specification carefully. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the role, especially your ability to work in a busy kitchen and cater to special dietary needs.
Communicate Clearly:Excellent communication is key in our team. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether it’s in English or Welsh. If you speak Welsh, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hywel Dda University Health Board
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge of food hygiene. Familiarise yourself with the City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation, as well as HACCP systems. Being able to discuss these qualifications confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in a busy kitchen, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. This will highlight your flexibility and communication skills.
✨Prepare for Dietary Needs Questions
Given the importance of catering to special dietary needs, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have. If you've worked with specific diets before, share those stories! If not, consider how you would approach meal preparation for various dietary restrictions.
✨Embrace Bilingualism
If you can speak Welsh, make sure to mention it during the interview. Even if you're not fluent, showing a willingness to learn can set you apart. The Health Board values bilingualism, so expressing your interest in improving your Welsh skills could be a great talking point.
