At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create healthy, delicious meals for our centre clients.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, excellent pension, free parking, and health insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and a chance to connect with clients.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring environment while honing your culinary and leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, team supervision, and budget management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Head Cook / Cook In Charge at Eileen Tozer Day Centre (Mon–Fri 8:30–2:00)
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Runnymede Borough Council as Head Cook at the Eileen Tozer Day Centre, Monday to Friday 8:30am–2:00pm.
- Provide a healthy and nutritious two‑course meal for centre clients while staying within a set budget and adhering to food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
- Plan, organise and supervise the preparation, cooking and serving of food for visitors to the Day Centre.
- Instruct, direct and support the Assistant Cook and Kitchen Assistants.
- Supervise staff and volunteers in preparation and service of food in accordance with Food Safety Regulations.
- Ensure the kitchen is maintained at the highest possible levels of cleanliness.
- Establish the number of meals to be prepared on a daily basis.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Plan menus, prepare costings and order provisions within budget and in conjunction with the Centre Manager.
- Prepare freshly made cakes and sandwiches for stocking the tea bar and Meals at Home Service delivery.
- Control stock through regular stock takes to keep levels within budgetary targets.
- Ensure deliveries are checked against orders and stored appropriately.
- Ensure cooking equipment is properly maintained and report any maintenance requirements to the Centre Manager.
- Ensure temperature monitoring of equipment and meals follows the procedure.
- Be available to spend time with centre visitors.
- Be available to undertake training as required.
- Attend staff meetings.
- Assist in other RBC Centre kitchens when required.
- Assist in the provision of an Emergency Rest Centre during a civil emergency.
About You
The ideal candidate is organised, caring and enthusiastic, with the following skills and experience:
- Ability to prepare a healthy and nutritious two‑course meal for centre clients.
- Experience supervising a team.
- Strong team leadership skills.
- Experience with stock control mechanisms.
- Experience with budgeting.
- Good time management skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Positive problem‑solving approach.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Previous experience working with older people and knowledge of special diets is desirable.
- Patient, empathetic nature with flexibility.
- Strong written and verbal communication and listening skills.
- Ability to work well as part of a team and create a welcoming atmosphere for clients.
- Experience working with customers or clients in a frontline environment.
- Knowledge of the challenges faced by older people.
- Experience staying within a set budget.
- Adherence to food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
- Willingness to undertake training as appropriate.
- Ability to undertake basic administrative tasks.
- Initiative and calmness under pressure.
Benefits
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Free parking.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Payment of one professional membership per annum.
- Cycle to work scheme and related discounts.
- Season ticket loan.
- Health insurance after 1 year of service; dental after 3 years of service.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Interview Date
- Wednesday 12th August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Cook/Cook In Charge at Eileen Tozer Day Centre. Monday to Friday 8.30am-2.00pm in Addlestone employer: Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and health insurance after one year, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook/Cook In Charge at Eileen Tozer Day Centre. Monday to Friday 8.30am-2.00pm in Addlestone
✨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 Runnymede. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Runnymede
Don't be shy about reaching out to Runnymede 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 Head Cook/Cook In Charge at Eileen Tozer Day Centre. Monday to Friday 8.30am-2.00pm in Addlestone
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 Runnymede 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 Runnymede
✨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!
