Description:
Acorns Children's Hospice is seeking a Lead Cook to join their dedicated team at the Black Country Hospice in Walsall. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the catering and food service provision in the hospice and managing a small team of cooks. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a specialist palliative care setting, supporting children and families across the West Midlands.
As Lead Cook, you will play a crucial role in preparing meals tailored to the needs of the children and ensuring high standards of food hygiene and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Supervise a small team of Cooks and Catering Volunteers to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
- Menu Planning: Follow the menu plan and collaborate with the care team to ensure meals meet children's dietary needs, including special diets such as soft, pureed, allergen-free, and blended meals.
- Food Preparation: Prepare a variety of meals, adhering to nutritional guidelines and food hygiene standards.
- Kitchen Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, storage areas, and on all equipment, crockery, and cutlery.
- Stock Management: Manage deliveries, ensure food items are stored correctly, and maintain inventory.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Essential:
- City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2 in Cooking or Catering (or equivalent).
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Previous experience in catering, including food preparation and cooking.
- Desirable:
- BTEC, Diploma, or equivalent professional qualifications in hotel and catering.
- Experience working in an environment with children and young people.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of nutrition, food hygiene, and infection control procedures.
- Ability to guide and supervise others, ensuring adherence to food safety protocols.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
What We Offer:
- Salary: £25,876.50 per annum, plus enhancements for weekends if worked.
- Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.
- Location: Acorns Black Country Hospice, Walsall.
- Benefits:
- Employee discounts from leading retailers.
- Employee gym discount scheme.
- Bike-to-Work scheme.
- Generous contribution to the group personal pension plan or continuation of the NHS pension scheme.
- NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme.