Cook

Priory Group; Stroud; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A residential care organization is seeking a Cook to join a children's home located near Stroud. The role involves preparing nutritious meals, planning menus that cater to dietary needs, and promoting healthy eating among young residents. Candidates need NVQ3 training and experience in a professional kitchen. This position offers a supportive environment and various development opportunities, including training and leadership pathways. Compensation is £27,512 per year, with comprehensive benefits including parking and flexible perks.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Birthday Holiday - extra day off

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Access to development opportunities

Sponsorship of professional qualifications

Leadership & management development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience of preparing and cooking meals in a professional kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals for young people and staff.
• Plan weekly menus reflecting cultural and health preferences.
• Manage food supplies, hygiene, and safety records.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Numeracy

Literacy

Education

NVQ3 standard with Intermediate Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Cook

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Lighthouse

Compensation: £27,512 / year

Description

Priory The Lighthouse are looking for a cook to join them on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. Located just outside of Stroud town centre in Gloucestershire, a residential home for five residents. The Lighthouse residential home is a warm and friendly environment, and as with many homes, the kitchen, based in the middle of the home, is the hub.

What you'll be doing

The Cook plays a vital role in our Children’s Home, as many young people may have complex relationships with food. The role involves preparing and serving nutritious, therapeutic lunches and dinners for young people and staff, while managing the kitchen effectively.

Key responsibilities include planning weekly menus that reflect cultural, health, allergy, and personal preferences; ordering and managing food supplies with a balance of quality and cost; maintaining hygiene, health and safety, and required records; and supporting staff with meal provision when needed.

The Cook promotes healthy eating, uses positive language around food and body image, prepares meals for special occasions and cultural events, and works with Support Workers to encourage young people’s interest in cooking and independent living skills.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

The role holder will be numerate, literate and will have been trained to NVQ3 standard with an Intermediate Food Safety Certificate and will have experience of preparing and cooking meals gained within a professional kitchen environment

What we will give you in return

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.