Cook Lead

The Cook Leader plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality food and service at Penpergwm House. This role combines hands-on cooking, team leadership, and operational oversight to maintain excellence, consistency, and innovation in the kitchen. The Cook Leader will support the Catering Manager in creating a safe, efficient, and productive environment while providing a superior culinary experience for our clients.

Reporting to:

Catering Manager & General Manager

Hours:

24 hrs per week on average. Must be flexible hours to ensure the ability to work all shifts.

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO OUR RURAL LOCATION, BEING A DRIVER IS VERY MUCH PREFERABLE.

Culinary Leadership & Food Quality:

• Suggest and implement creative cooking ideas, incorporating variety, freshness, and client preferences.
• Contribute to menu planning, ensuring client choice, dietary requirements and IDDSI standards are met.
• Lead by example in delivering high-quality food and service, checking dishes before they leave the kitchen.
• Oversee kitchen equipment, reporting on wear, usability, and making improvement suggestions.
• Manage pantry and fridge/freezer stock, ensuring correct labelling, adherence to standard and rotation of supplies.
• Monitor stock levels, communicate shortages and support supplier orders.
• Support the Catering Manager in achieving departmental efficiency, safety and productivity.

Team Management & Staff Development:

• Act as a direct line manager for Cooks and Catering Assistants, supporting the Catering Manager in team oversight.
• Ensure concise and accurate handovers and maintain consistency across shifts.
• Lead effective communication between the Catering Manager, cooks, and care assistants.
• Encourage teamwork within the kitchen and across other departments.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager when required, resolving issues during shifts.
• Enforce food hygiene, health, and safety standards, providing constructive feedback to staff.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Maintain knowledge of recipes, allergens, and dietary requirements.
• Support HACCP management, health and safety compliance, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Report risks or hazards promptly to the Catering Manager.
• Ensure all catering staff adhere to company policies and regulations.

Other Duties:

• Assist the Catering Manager with administrative tasks, communications, and documentation.
• Promote consistency, professionalism, and exemplary uniform standards across shifts.
• Undertake any reasonable duties as directed by the Catering Manager.

Skills & Qualifications:

• L3 in Food Hygiene
• Proven experience in a catering or professional kitchen environment.
• Strong culinary knowledge, creativity, and menu planning experience.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of IDDSI standards and dietary requirements preferred.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Awareness of food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Licence/Certification: