At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and serve delicious, nutritious meals for our lovely residents.
- Company: Join Akari Care, a caring community focused on quality and respect.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, pension contributions, and fully funded training.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Cook or similar, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
About the Role
This Cook role is 40 hours per week, working 4 days a week from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, including alternate weekends. We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic Cook to prepare high quality, nutritious meals for older residents at Akari Care. You will be the pivotal link between the kitchen and serving areas, creating menus, plating food, and arranging food trolley displays that encourage appetite.
Main Duties
- Create and execute menus that cater to dietary, religious and cultural requirements.
- Prepare wholesome, nutritious meals for residents each day.
- Plate and arrange food trollies in an attractive manner to stimulate appetite.
- Co lead and coach a small kitchen team, delegating tasks and fostering professional development.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.
- Collaborate with care staff to adapt meals to residents' changing needs.
Qualifications
- City & Guilds 706 1&2, or equivalent (achieved or working toward).
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Head chef or Head Cook experience in a similar environment.
- Supervisory or Line Management experience.
- Strong leadership, motivation and delegation skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to short notice changes.
- Warm, approachable and engaging manner.
- Respectful treatment of residents and colleagues.
- Resilient and able to adapt to varying needs.
Benefits
- 3% pension contribution.
- Recognition and referral reward schemes.
- Uniform provided and DBS check costs covered.
- 28 days annual leave (full time based, including bank holidays).
- Fully funded training and development.
- Support with personal development plans.
- Opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
- An inclusive community where everyone is respected.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.
Cook in Gateshead employer: Job Search Place Limited
Akari Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where every team member is valued. As a Cook, you will enjoy a balanced work schedule with generous benefits, including a 3% pension contribution, fully funded training, and 28 days of annual leave, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of older residents. Join us in a nurturing environment that fosters respect, collaboration, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Akari Care's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role is all about preparing high-quality meals, consider doing a mock cooking demonstration. This way, you can showcase your culinary talents and creativity during the interview, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your leadership style! As a Cook, you'll be co-leading a small kitchen team. Think about examples where you've successfully motivated or coached others, and be prepared to share those stories during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you get the chance, ask about the team dynamics or how they adapt meals for residents' changing needs. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create nutritious meals, especially for older residents. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Menu Ideas:Think about the dietary, religious, and cultural needs of our residents. In your application, suggest a few menu ideas that reflect this understanding. It shows us you’re already thinking about how to cater to our community!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:If you've got experience leading a kitchen team, make sure to mention it! Talk about how you’ve coached others and fostered their development. We value strong leadership, so let us know how you can bring that to our kitchen.
Keep It Professional Yet Warm:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure, but don’t hesitate to show your warm, approachable side. We’re looking for someone who can connect with both residents and colleagues!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary, religious, and cultural requirements mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you can create menus that cater to these needs, showcasing your understanding of nutrition and meal preparation.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves co-leading a kitchen team, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or coached others in the past. Highlight your ability to delegate tasks effectively and foster professional development within a team.
✨Plate It Right
Presentation is key! Bring along some ideas or examples of how you would plate and arrange food trolley displays to stimulate appetite. This will demonstrate your creativity and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Adaptability
The job requires flexibility and resilience, so think of instances where you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances in the kitchen. Share these experiences to show that you're prepared for the dynamic environment at Akari Care.
