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- Tasks: Prepare meals, manage kitchen staff, and ensure hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, serving over 800 meals daily in care homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 32 days annual leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in elderly care while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in menu planning, stock control, and supervising kitchen staff preferred.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours; driving license required.
The predicted salary is between 19500 - 21000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Relief Cook role at Lancashire County Council. This is a permanent, part-time role – 17 hours per week.
About Us
Lancashire County Council is dedicated to providing comprehensive in-house catering services to 16 residential care homes and 11-day centres for Older People's Care Services across Lancashire, serving over 800 meals daily. Our commitment to high-quality care and dietary services is rooted in our core values of promoting dignity, independence, and respect for all residents.
About The Role
In this fast-paced and rewarding role, you will be responsible for a variety of skilled cooking activities, including menu preparation, portion control, and catering for special dietary needs for our elderly residents. You will ensure high standards of hygiene and Health & Safety are maintained, oversee operational control of service points, and manage record-keeping, ordering supplies, and stock control.
You will supervise kitchen staff, ensuring safe and effective work practices. Your expertise in menu planning, stock control, and catering for large numbers will be essential to delivering high-quality meals. Knowledge of food costing, specialised diets, and basic nutrition is advantageous, as is familiarity with kitchen equipment and utensils.
Your Skills And Experience (desirable)
- Proven experience in menu planning and stock control.
- Ability to cater for large numbers.
- Experience supervising kitchen staff.
- Knowledge of food costing and stock management.
- Understanding of specialised diets and basic nutritional needs.
- Awareness of hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
- Proficiency with kitchen equipment and utensils.
Essential Requirements
- Full driving license.
- Own vehicle or access to a vehicle.
We seek proactive individuals who can work independently, make decisions under pressure, and possess excellent organisational and leadership skills. A commitment to equality, diversity, health, and safety is essential.
Why Choose Us
- Great Annual Leave: Up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 statutory days during festive seasons, with options to purchase additional leave.
- Financial Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, annual pay reviews, and enhanced pay for weekend working.
- Training and Development: Induction through our Social Care Academy and ongoing career support.
- Health and Wellbeing: Wellbeing Support Programme for staff and their families.
- Staff Discounts: Access to discounts via Vivup, including car schemes, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more.
We embrace diversity with support networks such as FABEE, Disabled Workers Forum, and LGBTQ+ Employee Network.
This position is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Successful applicants will need to apply for a DBS disclosure. Further details are available on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
This is a part-time role; the salary quoted is full-time equivalent and will be paid pro-rata.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Relief Cook | Countywide | Part time employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Cook | Countywide | Part time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of elderly residents. Understanding how to cater for special diets will not only enhance your application but also show your commitment to providing high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in supervising kitchen staff. This role requires strong leadership skills, so demonstrating your ability to manage a team effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of hygiene and Health & Safety standards during the interview. Showing that you prioritise safety in the kitchen will resonate well with the values of Lancashire County Council.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with menu planning and stock control, be ready to share specific examples. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the operational aspects of catering for large numbers.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Cook | Countywide | Part time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Relief Cook position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in menu planning, stock control, and catering for special dietary needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in cooking, especially in a care home or similar environment. Mention specific skills such as supervising kitchen staff and maintaining hygiene standards.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include any qualifications or training related to food safety, nutrition, and kitchen management. If you have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, mention this as it is an essential requirement for the role.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for working with Lancashire County Council. Share why you are passionate about providing high-quality meals and care for elderly residents.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Showcase Your Cooking Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight any specific dishes you excel at, especially those that cater to special dietary needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves supervising kitchen staff, share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with hygiene and health & safety regulations relevant to catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen environment, as this will be a key part of your responsibilities.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the role and the council's catering services. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality care.