At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals for patients and staff, ensuring high standards of food safety.
- Company: Join the award-winning Catering Department at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring community that values happy staff and patient satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and relevant cooking qualifications are essential.
- Other info: This role is open to internal applicants only; apply before the closing date!
The predicted salary is between 20600 - 21000 £ per year.
The Catering Department at Leigh Infirmary are looking to recruit 2 Cook/Supervisors, working 37.50 hours per week. The roles will suit highly motivated individuals who wish to be part of a high performing, award winning Catering team. The candidates are also required to oversee a shift incorporating patient meal service to the highest standards and will be dedicated to providing our patients and staff with an excellent service. The candidates we are looking for should be hard-working, organised, creative, and passionate about food and customer service. Candidates will be required to present original certificates for qualifications at interview stage.
Main duties of the job:
- Responsible for the safe preparation, cooking and service of food for patient/staff, private patents (including special dietary requirements) and visitor meals.
- Using specified recipes, to strict deadlines. Always ensuring adherence to food safety standards and the monitoring and recording of audit information.
- Preparation and cooking of all food types.
- Following recipes, accurate weighing and measuring of ingredients.
- Producing correct quantities of meals based on numbers required.
- Organise and plan daily work routine to meet strict meal service deadlines.
- Production of meals for external contracts.
- Report faulty equipment, fabric or poor-quality products.
- Checking and recording of all meals for quality, appearance, temperature before service: taking appropriate action on finding defects.
- Change menus at short notice if suppliers have failed to deliver.
- Maintain good communication with colleagues regarding daily activities.
- Always maintain a professional attitude, follow strict personal hygiene and appearance codes.
- Responsible for always keeping own work area clean.
- Propose changes to own working practices to assist in efficiency.
Communications and Key Working Relationships:
- Maintain good communication with colleagues regarding daily activities.
- Attend relevant meetings.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding quality of products or services.
- Liaise with external agencies as requested.
- Liaise across Wards and Departments. Advise of menu changes.
- Visits wards frequently to speak to patients regarding meal services client requests, and queries at ward level.
- Referring patients to a dietician if the ward has not already done so.
Responsibility for Finance:
- Adhere to Trust Standing Financial Instructions.
- Could be required to cash handle, using Dining Room tills or emptying vending machines.
- Budgetary control in respect of correct and economical use of materials and equipment.
- Ensure security of the premises and stores.
Responsibility for Human Resources:
- Direct work of catering assistants. Including rotas and releasing staff for training courses.
- Responsible for the Welfare of staff under their responsibility.
Responsibility for Health & Safety:
- Responsible for ensuring own safety at work.
- Compliance with local & legislative Food Safety Policies & associated documentation.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of key temperatures controls and Food safety.
- Substantial experience as a cook.
- Previous experience in a large scale catering operation.
Qualifications:
- City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or NVQ level 3 in Cooking & Food Service or equivalent.
- CIEHO Basic Food Hygiene Cert.
- IOSH.
Skills:
- Ability to complete documentation accurately.
Cook employer: Wwl
Contact Detail:
Wwl Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety standards mentioned in the job description. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock daily work routine that aligns with the meal service deadlines. Being able to discuss how you would manage your time effectively can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current employees or reach out to the Catering Department to gain insights into their team dynamics and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in large-scale catering operations, focusing on specific examples where you ensured quality and adhered to food safety protocols. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Cook position at NHS. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your previous cooking experience, especially in large-scale catering operations. Provide specific examples of how you've adhered to food safety standards and managed meal preparation under strict deadlines.
Demonstrate Your Skills: Use the supporting information section of your application to showcase your culinary skills and organisational abilities. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as City & Guilds or NVQ certifications, and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your passion for food and customer service in your application. Share anecdotes that illustrate your commitment to providing excellent service, especially in a healthcare setting, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wwl
✨Show Your Passion for Food
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and food service. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating delicious meals and providing excellent customer service.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you plan and organise your work routine to meet strict meal service deadlines. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Make sure to mention your understanding of food safety standards and practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you may need to demonstrate how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with dietary requirements or managing a busy service. Think through potential challenges and your solutions ahead of time.