At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations and supporting volunteers.
- Company: Join MHA, a caring organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, a strong pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours available with a focus on work-life balance and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by providing delicious meals in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking for large groups and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 15 € per hour.
The Herons, Nottingham
Hours: Permanent - Various hours available - Relief
Salary: £14.78 per hour
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Cook to join our team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will provide nutritious, high-quality meals for members attending our activities, helping to promote health, wellbeing and enjoyment.
As a Cook, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared safely, efficiently and in line with individual preferences and dietary needs. You will also support and supervise volunteers, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment based on MHA's values.
What you will do
- Prepare, cook and serve meals for members attending lunch, breakfast or afternoon tea clubs.
- Plan menus that are nutritious, appealing and meet a wide range of dietary and cultural needs.
- Manage food ordering and stock control, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimising waste.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety in line with food safety and COSHH requirements.
- Supervise and support volunteers and staff working in the kitchen, including organising rotas.
- Assist with the induction and training of volunteers and staff, ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards.
- Maintain accurate records and complete audits in line with food safety policies.
- Attend training, meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.
About you
We are looking for someone who is confident, reliable and passionate about food and service. You will bring:
- Experience of preparing and cooking meals for large numbers of people.
- A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- The ability to deliver high-quality meals within a set budget.
- Good communication and listening skills, with a customer-focused approach.
- Experience of working with or supervising volunteers (desirable).
- Creativity in menu planning and sensitivity to the needs of older people.
- A flexible and positive approach to work, with occasional travel as required.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, food plays an important role in bringing people together, and your work will have a meaningful impact every day.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable)
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
- A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution
About the service
The Herons care home in Toton is a welcoming home where colleagues share a clear commitment to person centred care. The team environment is supportive and collaborative, helping new colleagues settle quickly and feel part of a united group. Colleagues play a key role in creating a calm and friendly atmosphere that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. Guided by MHA's charitable ethos, the home encourages openness, compassion and professional growth.
For job seekers looking for work with purpose in a positive and team focused setting, The Herons offers a rewarding place to build a long-term career.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA's Recruitment Team.
Cook (Relief) based at The Herons, Nottingham employer: Joveo
MHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at The Herons in Nottingham. With a strong commitment to person-centred care, employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and ongoing training opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of older individuals through nutritious meal preparation. The inclusive culture fosters teamwork and compassion, making it a rewarding place for those seeking a fulfilling career in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Relief) based at The Herons, Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Herons and MHA. 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 makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to cooking and teamwork. Think about your past experiences and how they align with what they're looking for. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Since the role involves menu planning, be ready to share some of your ideas or past successes. Bring a few examples of meals you've prepared that cater to different dietary needs – this will really impress them!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re enthusiastic about the role and helps keep you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Relief) based at The Herons, Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals and how you enjoy bringing people together through food.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Cook position. Highlight your experience with large-scale meal preparation, menu planning, and any work you've done with volunteers to show you're a great fit for our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward application! Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with preparing meals for large groups, as well as any dietary considerations you've managed in the past. This shows you're not just passionate about food but also knowledgeable about the needs of those you’ll be serving.
✨Menu Planning Magic
Think about how you would plan a menu that caters to various dietary needs and preferences. Prepare a few examples to share during the interview. This will demonstrate your creativity and sensitivity towards the older population, which is key for this role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be supervising volunteers, be prepared to talk about your experience in leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've motivated others or created a positive kitchen environment. This will highlight your ability to foster teamwork and support within the kitchen.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene standards and safety regulations, especially COSHH requirements. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. This will show that you take food safety seriously, which is crucial for the role.
