At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team to create delicious meals for children and teachers.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Robinwood Activity Centre in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 12 weeks of holiday, free meals, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Regular daytime shifts with no late nights or weekends!
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young people's experiences while doing what you love.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for cooking and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 24726 - 24726 £ per year.
Are you a passionate cook with a desire to work in a small team creating delicious, hearty meals? Do you love the buzz of a busy kitchen and want your work to make a difference to young people’s school trip experiences? Join the Robinwood Activity Centre team as our new Lead Cook at Barhaugh Hall, near Alston.
The Role
As a Lead Cook you will be at the heart of the kitchen, reporting to the Catering Manager and supporting them to deliver high quality meals and a smooth-running kitchen. You’ll lead by example and motivate a small, friendly catering team and ensure our visiting children and teachers enjoy nutritious, tasty meals throughout their stay.
Key responsibilities
- Supporting the Catering Manager in all aspects of kitchen operations
- Leading and motivating the kitchen team during shifts
- Positively interacting with customers and providing them an excellent service
- Preparing a variety of meals suitable for children and adults
- Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness
- Ensuring special dietary requirements are catered for appropriately
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a busy kitchen environment, ideally with leadership responsibilities
- A genuine love for cooking and working in a team
- A strong understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety
- A positive, proactive and customer‑focussed attitude
- A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain one – paid for by Robinwood)
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Regular Monday – Friday daytime shifts – no late‑night restaurant hours!
- Tax free profit bonus
- 12 weeks set holiday a year including August and Christmas!
- Uniform
- All meals free of charge
- Staff social events
- Pension scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Beautiful working surroundings in a historic hall and countryside setting
- A role that makes a really positive difference to children
Your Working Week
This is a full‑time position with a contract of 30 hours per week. Lead Cooks receive 6 weeks of paid holiday and accrue a further 6 weeks of holiday during their working weeks. This allows for 12 weeks holiday a year, closely following the school holiday dates. These accrued holiday hours means the average working week is around 38 hours per week.
- Monday – Friday, no late nights or weekend work
- Breakfast shifts start no earlier than 6am
- Evening shifts finish no later than 8pm
- Friday finish no later than 5pm, but usually 3pm
- Timetable is on a 4 week pattern, an example of one working week could be:
- Monday – 6am – 3pm
- Tuesday – 6am – 3pm
- Wednesday – 9am – 8pm
- Thursday – 7am – 8pm
- Friday – 7am – 2pm
Your Pay
The starting rate of pay for this role is £24,726 (£15.85 per hour) and is an annualised hours contract of an average of 30 hours per week. Actual annual earnings are spread evenly across the year, providing consistent monthly pay regardless of seasonal fluctuations in working weeks and holiday. The final pay level will be determined based on the experience and skills of the successful candidate.
Lead Cook in Alston employer: Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd
At Robinwood Activity Centre, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where your culinary skills can truly shine. As a Lead Cook at our picturesque Barhaugh Hall, you'll enjoy regular daytime shifts with no late nights, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a positive impact on the experiences of young people during their school trips.
Contact Details:
Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook in Alston
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook in Alston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
