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- Tasks: Lead a small kitchen team to create delicious meals for children and teachers.
- Company: Join an award-winning school residential provider with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy regular daytime shifts, free meals, and 12 weeks holiday a year!
- Other info: No late nights or weekend work, with options for a 4-day week.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's experiences while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 24000 £ per year.
Is this your next job read the full description below to find out, and do not hesitate to make an application.
Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, Cumbria
Start date: ASAP
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 won’t just be preparing meals — you’ll 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 Barhaugh Hall.
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
- £24,726 per year (£15.85 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
- Beautiful countryside working environment
Your Working Pattern
- Full‑time contract – 30 hours per week (average 38 hours worked)
- 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.
Training & Development
We support your growth with
- Food hygiene certification (Level 2 provided if needed)
- Ongoing professional development
- Opportunities to build leadership skills
What we are looking for
- Experienced in a busy kitchen (with some leadership responsibility)
- Passionate about cooking and teamwork
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety
- Positive, proactive, and customer‑focused
Ready to apply? If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can cook great food, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
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Lead Cook employer: Robinwood Activity Centres
Contact Detail:
Robinwood Activity Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and dietary requirements. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions will set you apart as a candidate who is not only skilled but also considerate of the guests' needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you motivated a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlighting your ability to lead and inspire others will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your passion for cooking and working in a team during any interactions. This role is about creating a positive experience for young people, so demonstrating your enthusiasm for both cooking and teamwork will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Robinwood Activity Centre and its mission. Being knowledgeable about their values and how they impact children's experiences will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in a busy kitchen environment, especially any leadership roles. Emphasise your passion for cooking and teamwork, as these are key qualities the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you want to make on children's experiences. Mention specific examples of how you've led a team or created delicious meals in the past.
Highlight Food Hygiene Knowledge: Since a strong understanding of food hygiene and safety is crucial, be sure to mention your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or your willingness to obtain one. This shows your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Customer Interaction Skills: The role involves positively interacting with customers, so include any relevant experience where you've provided excellent service. This could be in a kitchen setting or any customer-facing role, demonstrating your proactive and friendly attitude.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robinwood Activity Centres
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your genuine love for cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you can contribute to creating delicious meals for children and adults alike.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Cook, you'll be expected to motivate and lead a small team. Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in a kitchen environment and how you can inspire others to maintain high standards.
✨Highlight Food Hygiene Knowledge
Since food hygiene is crucial in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety practices. If you have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, mention it; if not, show your willingness to obtain one.
✨Engage with Customer Service Mindset
This position involves positively interacting with customers, so demonstrate your customer-focused attitude. Share examples of how you've provided excellent service in past roles and how you plan to ensure a great dining experience for the children and teachers.