At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and support service users' recovery at our welcoming centre.
- Company: Join the Fire Fighters Charity, dedicated to supporting the fire services community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 8% pension, life assurance, and family leave.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and knowledge of food hygiene standards required.
The predicted salary is between 23561 - 23561 £ per year.
Harcombe House, Chudleigh, Exeter
£23,561 plus excellent benefits including 8% pension, life assurance and family leave.
32.5 hours a week (worked over a 2 week rota pattern). Week 1 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 12:30 – 19:30. No anti-social hours or split shifts.
About us
Fire Fighters Charity delivers specialist health and wellbeing information and support to enable a healthier and happier UK fire services community. We now have a vacancy for a Cook to join our catering team at Harcombe House, in Chudleigh, near Exeter.
About the role
As a Cook, your role is vital to supporting and enhancing the stay for our service users to assist in their recovery. You will support a small catering team to provide nutritious and well-balanced meals for our service users and other visitors to our centre who you will interact with during their stay. It is important that you ensure effective stock management and that the food prepared in our kitchen is done so in accordance with food preparation requirements and compliance with food hygiene regulations. This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Services Check.
About You
This is a fabulous opportunity to join us and work within a supportive and rewarding environment. You will be able to use the skills you have gained previously whilst working as a cook, possibly within a school or nursing home environment. What is important, is that you have experience preparing nutritious and good quality balanced meals and have the ability to follow recipes and set menus ensuring our guests enjoy a variety of food during their stay. You will have knowledge and a clear awareness of dietary restrictions and be familiar with working in an environment where food hygiene standards and food preparation requirements are adhered to. As well as being an excellent communicator and having the ability to work with others, you will take pride in your work and your interactions with others. Your positive attitude and approach will help shape the environment within our centre and support those staying with us.
How to apply
More information about us and the role can be found on our website or please contact Vikki Nicholls, Hospitality Team Leader. If you would like to arrange a visit to Harcombe House to see our facilities, we would love to show you around. To apply for the role, please submit your CV and an introductory letter stating why you are interested in both the role and Fire Fighters Charity.
Closing Date: 9am 6 August 2026
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. When recruiting our new team members, regardless of the role, we are looking for people who share our values. We reserve the right to close this role early should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to contact applicants who are not shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was not successful this time.
Cook (32.5 hrs) in Chudleigh employer: The Fire Fighters Charity
The Fire Fighters Charity is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the mental health and well-being of both employees and the fire services community. With opportunities for professional growth through regular supervision and training, this role in Littlehampton not only allows for meaningful contributions to trauma recovery but also fosters a sense of purpose and camaraderie among colleagues dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (32.5 hrs) in Chudleigh
✨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 The Fire Fighters Charity. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Fire Fighters Charity
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Fire Fighters Charity 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 Cook (32.5 hrs) in Chudleigh
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 The Fire Fighters Charity 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 The Fire Fighters Charity
✨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!
