About Hamoaze House
Hamoaze House is a structured day programme supporting people recovering from drugs, alcohol and the effects of trauma.
Food is an important part of life at Hamoaze. Our kitchen provides more than lunch. It helps create welcome, routine, dignity, connection and community.
We are looking for a Cook / Kitchen Manager who can lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen and help us develop the role of food within our recovery community.
About the role
You will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, affordable meals for community members, staff and volunteers. You will also manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including menu planning, ordering, stock control, food hygiene, allergen management, cleaning routines and kitchen records.
This is a practical cooking role, but it is also a people-facing role. You will be working in a community where many people have experienced trauma, addiction, loss, social exclusion and disrupted relationships. We are looking for someone who can bring warmth, calmness, consistency and clear boundaries to the kitchen and lunchtime environment.
Alongside the core kitchen duties, we want to build more opportunities for community members to learn practical cooking, budgeting and home-economics skills. We are also interested in how food can support recovery, confidence, family life and connection with the local community.
This role would suit someone who enjoys cooking, is organised, works well under pressure, and understands that small daily routines — like a good lunch, a clean kitchen and a welcoming atmosphere — can make a real difference to people’s recovery.
Main duties
- Prepare and serve lunches for community members, staff and volunteers.
- Plan menus that are nutritious, affordable and realistic within budget.
- Manage kitchen stock, ordering and supplies.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety.
- Keep accurate kitchen records, including temperature checks, cleaning schedules and allergen information.
- Ensure allergens, dietary needs and food safety requirements are managed properly.
- Work with staff to support a welcoming, calm and respectful lunchtime environment.
- Involve community members appropriately in kitchen activities and food-related learning.
- Help develop simple cooking, budgeting and home-economics sessions.
- Support the wider values, routines and boundaries of Hamoaze House.
- Work safely and professionally with people affected by substance use, trauma and other complex life experiences.
- Contribute to a positive, recovery-focused culture across the house.
We are looking for someone who has
- Experience of cooking in a workplace, community, school, care, café, or similar setting.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
- A calm, organised and practical approach.
- The ability to work independently and manage a busy kitchen.
- Good communication skills.
- A warm but boundaried approach to people.
- An understanding of the importance of dignity, respect and inclusion.
- Some understanding of how trauma can affect adults, including emotional regulation, trust, relationships, confidence and behaviour.
- The ability to stay calm and professional in a busy community environment.
- Willingness to be part of a wider recovery-focused team.
Essential
- Level 2 Food Safety / Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to complete this before starting.
- Experience preparing meals for groups of people.
- Ability to manage stock, ordering, cleaning routines and kitchen records.
- Commitment to safeguarding and safe working practice.
- Ability to work respectfully with people who may have experienced trauma, addiction or social disadvantage.
Desirable
- Level 3 Food Safety.
- Allergen awareness training.
- Experience working in a charity, recovery, community, school, care or supported setting.
- Experience delivering cooking, budgeting or life-skills sessions.
- Understanding of addiction, recovery, trauma or social disadvantage.
- Experience working in a trauma-aware or psychologically informed environment.
What we offer
- Monday to Friday working pattern.
- A meaningful role in a respected local charity.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to shape and develop the kitchen offer at Hamoaze House.
- Training and development linked to the Hamoaze competency framework.
- The chance to make a practical difference to people’s recovery and daily life.
Safeguarding
Hamoaze House is committed to safeguarding adults, children and families. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to Hamoaze House.
Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.
If you need the application process in a different format because of a disability or access need, please contact us.
Closing date: Friday 31st July
Interview date: TBC
Pay: £24,784.50-£27,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2 Food Safety / Food Hygiene qualification (required)
Work Location: In person
