At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, fresh meals for residents.
- Company: Join a leading housing provider dedicated to enhancing lives through quality food.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Work-life balance with daytime shifts and regular weekends off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your passion for food.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Cook/Chef with excellent cooking and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30178 - 33215 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about food and making a positive impact on people's lives? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as our Lead Cook/Chef at our Extra Care Scheme in Nant Y Mor, Prestatyn. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to enhance the lives of residents and communities across Wales by leading a high-quality catering service that delivers outstanding food and nutritious, freshly prepared meals.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the kitchen in delivering a lunchtime-only service using fresh ingredients and cooking from scratch.
- Manage daily operations, including staffing, stock ordering, and compliance with food safety and health regulations.
- Create varied menus that cater to residents' preferences, nutritional needs, and special dietary requirements.
- Build strong relationships with residents, catering teams, and Extra Care Managers to ensure a seamless service.
- Monitor service quality, respond to feedback, and drive continuous improvement.
Who are we looking for?
- Proven experience as a Cook/Chef working with fresh food.
- Excellent cooking skills, including baking and dessert preparation.
- Previous experience supervising staff or leading a team.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A passion for food quality, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
Do you have:
- Experience: A proven track record as a Cook/Chef working with fresh food.
- Skills: Excellent cooking skills, including baking, and dessert making.
- Communication: Excellent relationship-building and communication skills to liaise effectively with catering teams, scheme managers and residents.
- Passion: A genuine passion for food quality, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
What's in it for you?
In return for your hard work, commitment and innovation, you will enjoy an environment focused on more than just competitive pay. You will enjoy:
- £30,178 - £33,215 per annum
- 37 hours per week
- Daytime shifts only - no late nights or split shifts, giving you time to enjoy your evenings and maintain a healthy routine.
- Regular weekends off - perfect for spending quality time with family, relaxing, or pursuing your hobbies.
- Real work life balance!
- Defined Contribution pension, including 3x death in service life insurance cover.
- 25 days of annual leave, which increases to 30 days with length of service.
- Flexibility to buy or sell up to 5 days (pro rata), plus additional time off for volunteering, health screening, and other wellbeing activities.
- Regular feedback, training and support from your manager and team.
- Access to comprehensive wellbeing support, including a generous sick pay scheme, critical illness cover, and a cash plan benefit to help with everyday healthcare costs.
- 24/7 access to a confidential employee assistance and counselling service, offering practical advice and emotional support whenever you need it.
Who are Wales & West Housing Group (WWHG)?
We are one of the leading housing providers in Wales; providing affordable homes and services to more than 24,000 residents in over 12,500 properties across Wales. We formed a Group company in 2011, to include Cambria Maintenance Ltd. We employ over 450 staff at WWH and over 190 staff in Cambria, making us a major Welsh employer. We are proud to be a multi award-winning organisation, recognised as a 3* World Class Best Company and Investors In People Platinum - the first in Wales.
Successful candidates will be required to undertake a DBS check due to the nature of the role.
Closing date: Monday, 14th September 2026
Assessment date: Tuesday, 15th September 2026
This opportunity is ideally suited to applicants living in North Wales, including Rhyl, St Asaph, Hollywell, Abergele and Denbigh.
Candidates searching for roles such as Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Chef Manager, Lead Chef, Senior Cook, Cook Supervisor, Food Services Manager, Extra Care Chef, Residential Chef, Care Home Cook, or Community Chef may find this opportunity a great fit.
Lead Cook/Chef - Cogydd Arweiniol in Prestatyn employer: Wales & West Housing
Cambria is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development. With competitive pay, including additional compensation for 24/7 call-out duties, and opportunities to enhance your skills in the growing field of heat pumps, you'll find a rewarding career path in the beautiful regions of Wales. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality heating solutions while enjoying the benefits of a company van and a focus on employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook/Chef - Cogydd Arweiniol in Prestatyn
✨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 Wales & West Housing. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wales & West Housing
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wales & West Housing 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 Lead Cook/Chef - Cogydd Arweiniol in Prestatyn
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 Wales & West Housing 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 Wales & West Housing
✨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!
