Lead Cook

Lead Cook

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Robinwood Activity Centre Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a small team to create delicious meals for school trips.
  • Company: Join an award-winning provider of residential experiences for young people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant kitchen environment and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Located at Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, with opportunities for creativity.
  • Why this job: Be part of a fun, energetic team that enhances young people's adventures.
  • Qualifications: Passion for cooking and experience in a busy kitchen is essential.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Lead Cook Maes y Nant, near Wrexham, North Wales Start date: 25th August 2026 Fixed Term to 31st December (Potential to be extended) Why Robinwood? Industry-leading Employer Living Wage Foundation accredited Investors in People Gold Employee-owned business Love cooking and want your work to make a real difference? At Robinwood, you wont just be preparing meals youll be helping create memorable residential experiences for children. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying evening meals, your food will fuel adventure, confidence, and fun. We are looking for a passionate and organised Lead Cook to join our friendly team at Maes y Nant. What you will be doing as a Lead Cook: As part of a small, supportive catering team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality meals and keeping the kitchen running smoothly. You will: Support the Catering Manager in all kitchen operations Lead and motivate the kitchen team during shifts Prepare a variety of nutritious meals for children and adults Ensure all dietary requirements are met Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness Provide a positive and welcoming service to guests What you will get: £24,414 pro rata (£15.65 per hour, based on a 30-hour per week contract) Consistent monthly pay through an annualised hours contract Pay reflective of experience and skills Plus: Monday to Friday shifts no late nights or weekends Free meals on shift Profit-related tax-free bonus 12 weeks off per year (including August and Christmas) Staff social events Training and development opportunities A fun, child-centred working environment Your working pattern: Full-time contract - 30 hours per week (average 38 hours worked over 5 days) Fixed 4-week rotating timetable Shifts between 6am and 8pm (latest finish), Fridays earlier Example week: Monday: 9am 8pm Tuesday: 7am 8pm Wednesday: 6am 3pm Thursday: 6am 3pm Friday: 7am 2pm Enjoy a strong work-life balance with predictable hours and no weekend work. Flexibility for this fixed term contract to be between 25-30 hours per week. A 25 hour per week contract would be worked across 4 days. Training

Lead Cook employer: Robinwood Activity Centre Limited

At Robinwood, we pride ourselves on being an industry-leading employer, recognised for our commitment to employee welfare and development. As a Living Wage Foundation accredited and Investors in People Gold business, we offer a supportive work culture that values your contributions and fosters personal growth. Located near the beautiful Wrexham in North Wales, you'll not only enjoy a fulfilling role as a Food and Beverage Team Leader but also be part of an employee-owned company that truly cares about making a difference in the lives of our guests.

Robinwood Activity Centre Limited

Contact Details:

Robinwood Activity Centre Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Cook

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of young people. Understanding how to cater for various requirements will show your commitment to creating enjoyable meals for all.

Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen team. Being able to demonstrate your leadership skills and how you can motivate others will be crucial in this role.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your creativity in meal planning. Prepare some unique ideas for hearty meals that could be served during school trips, as this will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Research Robinwood Activity Centre and its values. Tailoring your approach to align with their mission of enhancing young people's experiences will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Safety and Hygiene
Team Leadership
Time Management
Creativity in Cooking
Budget Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand what the Robinwood Activity Centre is looking for in a Lead Cook. Highlight your passion for cooking and experience in creating hearty meals.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your relevant cooking experience, especially in a team environment. Include any specific skills that relate to working in a busy kitchen and preparing meals for young people.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you can have on young people's experiences. Share specific examples of your cooking style and how you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen.

Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Robinwood Activity Centre Limited

Show Your Passion for Cooking

Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it drives you. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or experiences that highlight your culinary skills, especially those that resonate with the hearty meals mentioned in the job description.

Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since you'll be working in a small team, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, particularly in a kitchen environment.

Highlight Your Experience with Young People

Given that the role involves enhancing young people's school trip experiences, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have working with children or young adults. This could include catering for events, leading cooking classes, or any other related activities.

Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about your cooking techniques, menu planning, and how you handle busy kitchen scenarios. Be prepared to discuss how you would create delicious meals under pressure, ensuring you align your answers with the values of the Robinwood Activity Centre.