Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for residents while managing a budget and leading a kitchen team.
- Company: Join the caring team at Russets, a supportive care home in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with meaningful work in a vibrant community setting.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification and experience in food safety and nutrition required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
We are looking for a cook to join our team preparing and serving meals to the residents of our care home Russets located in Portsmouth.
Part Time Permanent
Salary: Band 5, £26,473 – £28,239 per annum (pro‑rata £16,098 – £17,172 for 22.5 hours) plus a 7.5% shift allowance
An average of 22.5 hours per week. Hours will be worked over a 2‑week rota which may include weekends and bank holidays.
About Russets: Russets provides full‑time residential care for up to 7 people and respite care for up to 11 people with learning disabilities, in one adapted building. The building contains two flats—one accommodates 4 people, the other 3. The remaining space supports those receiving respite care, which is short‑term.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and produce a varied and exciting menu, nutritionally balanced and incorporating special dietary requirements.
- Manage a set budget and keep within it while cooking for a large number of people.
- Prepare food daily with a kitchen assistant, maintaining overall health and safety in the kitchen.
- Lead induction of new staff.
- Follow the stock ordering process, liaise with suppliers, and ensure appropriate storage and delivery of supplies.
- Maintain kitchen records, report concerns to the senior team, and ensure all policies and procedures are followed.
- Organise catering for special events.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Advanced qualification in catering (e.g., City & Guilds 701/702) and a basic food hygiene certificate, or be working towards a suitable qualification.
- Experience ordering stock and keeping within a set budget while cooking for a large number of people.
- Good knowledge of food and nutrition requirements for a care home setting, including special dietary needs.
- Understanding of food safety, including IDDSI and handling intolerances or allergies (IDDSI training will be provided).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with flexibility to adapt to changing workloads.
- Ability to organise and lead kitchen staff and understanding of safeguarding policies for vulnerable people.
To apply for this job please visit searchjobs.portsmouth.gov.uk.
Cook in Portsmouth employer: South East Employers
Contact Detail:
South East Employers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Russets and their values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Cook role, especially around menu planning and dietary needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for cooking! Bring along examples of your previous work, like photos of dishes you've prepared or menus you've created. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking experience and any special dietary knowledge you have. We want to see how you can whip up exciting menus that cater to everyone’s needs!
Budgeting Brilliance: Don’t forget to mention your experience with managing budgets! We’re looking for someone who can keep costs down while still serving delicious meals, so share any relevant examples in your application.
Safety First!: Make sure to include your understanding of food safety and hygiene practices. We take this seriously at Russets, so let us know about any certifications or training you have, even if you're working towards them.
Be Yourself: Finally, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We value strong communication skills and a friendly attitude, so show us who you are in your application. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Employers
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about what a varied and exciting menu looks like for a care home. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate special dietary requirements and nutritional balance into your meal planning.
✨Budget Savvy
Make sure you understand how to manage a budget while cooking for a large number of people. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully kept costs down without compromising on quality. This will show that you can handle the financial aspect of the role.
✨Safety First
Brush up on food safety regulations and practices, especially those relevant to a care home setting. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure health and safety in the kitchen, as well as your understanding of handling allergies and intolerances.
✨Team Leadership Skills
Think about your experience leading a team or training new staff. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've organised kitchen staff and maintained a positive working environment, as this is crucial for the role.
