At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations and supporting volunteers.
- Company: Join MHA at Bradbury Grange, a community-focused care home.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Friendly environment with opportunities for personal growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through food and care.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking for large groups and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 € per hour.
Hours: Relief/Bank hours per week
Salary: £15.18 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
Bradbury Grange care home in Whitstable is a welcoming and community-minded home where colleagues work together to deliver thoughtful, personalised care. With a strong focus on independence and wellbeing, colleagues help create a warm environment where residents feel valued and supported.
The home's lively activity programme, including music therapy and regular outings, gives colleagues opportunities to contribute creatively to daily life. New colleagues quickly feel part of the team, supported by peers who share MHA's values of respect, nurture and inspire.
For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a friendly and purpose-led environment, Bradbury Grange offers the chance to develop skills, gain confidence and make a positive impact every day.
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/Bank) based at Bradbury Grange, Whitsable in Whitstable employer: Joveo
At MHA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment at Bradbury Grange in Whitstable. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working options, comprehensive training programmes, and generous benefits, including 28 days of holiday and a strong pension scheme. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a nurturing atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Relief/Bank) based at Bradbury Grange, Whitsable in Whitstable
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! If you can, visit Bradbury Grange before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the team can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing menu planning, share some of your favourite recipes or ideas that cater to dietary needs. This will highlight your passion for food and your ability to think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be supervising volunteers, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. It’s all about creating that positive vibe in the kitchen!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community at MHA and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Relief/Bank) based at Bradbury Grange, Whitsable in Whitstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and serving others 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 at Bradbury Grange. Highlight your experience with large-scale meal preparation, menu planning, and any supervisory roles you've had, especially with volunteers.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a relief/bank position, be upfront about your availability in your application. Mention any flexibility you have and how you can support the team during busy times or special events.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research nutritious recipes that cater to various dietary needs, as this will show your enthusiasm and creativity in menu planning during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous cooking experiences, especially in preparing meals for large groups. Highlight any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members or supervised volunteers in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Values
MHA values respect, nurture, and inspire. Think about how your personal values align with these and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work, particularly in a kitchen environment.
