Cook Leader
Location: Penpergwm House
Reporting to: Catering Manager & General Manager
Hours: 24 hours per week (average)
Contract: Flexible working required to cover all shifts
Please Note: Due to our rural location, a full driving licence and access to transport are highly desirable.
About the Role
The Cook Leader plays a key role in delivering exceptional food quality and service at Penpergwm House. Combining hands-on culinary expertise with leadership responsibilities, you will help maintain high standards across the kitchen while supporting the Catering Manager in creating a safe, efficient and productive working environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced cook in this sector, who is passionate about quality food, team development, and delivering outstanding dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Food Quality
- Develop and introduce creative menu ideas that provide variety, freshness, and reflect client preferences.
- Support menu planning, ensuring dietary requirements, client choice, and IDDSI standards are consistently met.
- Lead by example in the preparation and presentation of high-quality meals.
- Carry out quality checks on dishes before service.
- Monitor kitchen equipment, reporting faults, wear and tear, and suggesting improvements.
- Manage pantry, fridge, and freezer stock, ensuring correct labelling, rotation, and storage.
- Monitor stock levels, communicate shortages, and support ordering processes.
- Support the Catering Manager in maintaining efficiency, productivity, and safety across the department.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for Cooks and Catering Assistants.
- Ensure clear and accurate handovers between shifts.
- Promote effective communication between catering, care, and management teams.
- Foster a positive team culture and collaborative working environment.
- Deputise for the Catering Manager when required.
- Ensure food hygiene, health and safety standards are consistently followed.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to team members.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of recipes, allergens, dietary requirements, and IDDSI guidelines.
- Support HACCP procedures and maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and food safety.
- Identify and report hazards, risks, or compliance issues promptly.
- Ensure all staff adhere to company policies, food safety regulations, and health and safety requirements.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with catering administration, documentation, and communications.
- Promote professionalism, consistency, and high presentation standards within the team.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Catering Manager.
Skills & Experience - Essential
- Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
- Previous experience in a professional kitchen or catering environment.
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen operations.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and compliance standards.
Desirable
- Experience of menu planning.
- Knowledge of IDDSI standards and specialist dietary requirements.
- Experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a motivated and passionate culinary professional who:
- Takes pride in delivering high-quality food and service.
- Leads by example and supports colleagues effectively.
- Demonstrates creativity, initiative, and attention to detail.
- Works well under pressure and adapts to changing priorities.
- Shares our commitment to providing an excellent experience for our residents and understands their varied needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference through food, leadership, and teamwork while contributing to the continued success of Penpergwm House which has a legacy of nearly 40 years.
Pay: £14.00-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
