At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and cater to the nutritional needs of our residents.
- Company: Join a multi-award-winning care home with a friendly, passionate team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, competitive salary, free uniform, and discounts on shopping.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a vibrant community setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required.
Location: Fremantle Court, Stoke Mandeville
Pay rate: £12.43
Contracted hours: 28
About the role
Are you an experienced catering assistant, commis chef or cook that takes pride in your work? Are you looking for your next challenge without split shifts and anti-social hours? We’re currently recruiting for a Cook to join our passionate, hard-working and friendly catering team, to create delicious meals for our residents. Nutrition is an important element of the care package that we provide. You’ll be actively involved in the nutritional needs of our residents, to ensure that a high-quality dining experience is received by everyone. You’ll get to know our residents and their families so that you’ll be motivated to understand and accommodate their personal preferences. Some weekend work will be required.
In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who live and work in our homes.
Fremantle Court in Stoke Mandeville is a multi-award-winning and innovative care home, providing a light, modern and spacious living environment with 90 individual en-suite rooms and a QVC rating of ‘Good’. The beautiful outdoor space invites the local wildlife including deer, squirrels and birds which are much enjoyed by residents. Residents can also enjoy the scenic views of the Chiltern Hills. Our care home has many attractive communal areas, including a coffee shop, cinema and pitch and putt on-site along with many other facilities. There are superb community and local transport links with a bus stop outside the entrance, making it easy to travel to and from our Aylesbury care home.
In return
The Trust is a great place to work; we’ve been providing care for almost 1,000 years and we’re currently the second largest not-for-profit provider in the UK. Not-for-profit means that we reinvest every penny we make into our residents, colleagues and the care homes we live and work in. Therefore, we offer a great range of benefits, including a competitive salary, training and development. Alongside keeping our colleagues safe with PPE and daily testing.
- 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- A workplace pension
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a Friend scheme rewarding you up to £1000 for every recommendation you make who successfully starts working for us
- Blue Light Card and "My Rewards" programme, offering you discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more
About you
You’ll need to have previous experience of working in a professional kitchen and catering for specialist diets, providing meals for large groups of people, alongside a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Ideally you’ll also be working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Food Production and Cooking or equivalent but this is not essential. You’ll be confident in engaging with our elderly residents to understand their individual needs and enjoy being part of the wider team in the home. If you think you have the right skills and attitude we’re looking for as a Cook within our care homes, then you could be the next to join us. So, apply and get your career started with us today.
Cook employer: The Orders of St John Care Trust
As a Registered Nurse at Lent Rise House in Burnham, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises compassionate care for older people, including those with dementia. Our nurturing work culture fosters professional growth through diverse clinical experiences and offers flexible working patterns to support your work-life balance. With a commitment to reinvesting in our staff and residents, we provide an array of benefits, including competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
The Orders of St John Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨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 Orders of St John Care Trust. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Orders of St John Care Trust
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Orders of St John Care Trust 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
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 Orders of St John Care Trust 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 Orders of St John Care Trust
✨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!
