At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals that bring comfort and nourishment to those in care.
- Company: Join Priory Hospital Suttons Manor, a leading provider of mental health and social care.
- Benefits: Earn £15/hour, enjoy flexible benefits, and get your birthday off as extra leave!
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and basic food hygiene qualification required.
Priory Hospital Suttons Manor is looking for a Chef to join our team on a part-time basis, working 15 hours per week at a rate of £15 per hour. Use your passion for cooking to make a meaningful difference every day, as the meals you create will bring comfort, nourishment, and support to those in our care.
Due to the location of the service, access to a vehicle or the ability to drive is recommended. However, the site is also accessible via public transport links:
- Close to the town of Romford
- Convenient access is provided by the M25
- Nearby underground station Theydon Bois, which is on the Central Line
- Close to Romford and Brentwood railway stations
- Bus stops are a short walk away (Epping Lane bus stop or Passingford Bridge roundabout)
As a Chef, you will work from 8:00am to 4:00pm every Saturday and Sunday, taking responsibility for the planning, preparation, cooking, and service of nutritious, high-quality meals within the hospital. You will ensure all kitchen activities and operations are carried out in line with operational standards, food hygiene requirements, and statutory regulations.
We are looking for a skilled and organised Chef with NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) and a basic food hygiene qualification. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a professional kitchen, preparing high-quality meals for large groups while working to deadlines and budget. You will have strong communication and organisational skills, a good understanding of specialised diets including dysphagia and allergens, and a passion for delivering excellent customer service.
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us:
- Free on-site parking
- Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra days annual leave
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
- Access to development opportunities
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
- Leadership & management development
- Long service award
- Refer a friend bonuses
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.
About Priory: Priory is the UK's leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children's mental health and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process.
All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.
Cook in Romford employer: The Priory Group
Cleveland House is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Senior Healthcare Assistants dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with complex needs. With competitive pay at £14.25 per hour and opportunities for professional growth, our team enjoys a culture that values compassion, teamwork, and continuous learning, all set in the serene surroundings of Banks, Southport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Romford
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at The Priory Group and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at The Priory Group that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at The Priory Group.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at The Priory Group get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Priory Group
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at The Priory Group and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.