Job Title: Cook

Reports to: Centre Co-ordinator

Responsible for: Kitchen Assistant

Location: Thornycroft Centre

Salary: £20,231

Hours: Permanent, Part-time. 30 hours per week. 9am – 3pm (other hours may be required on occasion).

About CISWO

CISWO The Coal Mining Charity is a national organisation dedicated to improving the lives of former coal miners, their families and mining communities. Through a wide range of welfare, wellbeing and community services, we provide practical support, opportunities for social connection, and safe, welcoming spaces where people can thrive. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team at the Thornycroft Centre in Pontefract. This is a key role within our day centre, helping to deliver one of the services our members value most – the opportunity to enjoy a varied, nutritious, home-cooked meal in a friendly and supportive environment. Food plays an important part in the overall experience of attending the centre, bringing people together and contributing to their health, wellbeing and enjoyment.

As Cook, you'll lead the planning, preparation and delivery of high-quality meals and refreshments for our members. Working closely with the Centre Co-ordinator and wider team, you'll help shape an appealing food offer, support themed events and activities, and ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating great food, enjoys engaging with people, and wants to make a meaningful difference in their local community

Job Purpose

To lead in the provision of meals and refreshments for users of the Centre including the members, external groups and other bookings, and internal meetings. Lead the day to day running and cleaning of the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in the preparation, cooking and serving of meals and refreshments at pre-determined times and within agreed menus.
• Working with the Centre Coordinator and Centre team, lead on the design of an appropriate food offer for the members and other Centre users including a growing wider customer base
• Play an active role in and have a creative approach to providing suitable meals and refreshments for themed events and activities.
• Plan menus focused on a healthy, good quality, nutritionally balanced diet, with the ability to adapt to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Determine quantities of food to be ordered and cooked taking into consideration the anticipated or planned attendance, sizing of portions to be served, any dietary needs, and minimising wastage.
• Provide day to day supervision of the Kitchen Assistant, and ensure they are fully equipped for the role.
• Lead on the ordering of ingredients, working within a budget, ensuring good value for money, and reducing costs where possible.
• Check all incoming stock deliveries for quantity and quality of ingredients, notifying suppliers and the Centre Co-ordinator of any issues and keeping accurate and timely records.
• Ensure stock levels are monitored and good stock rotation is in place.
• Ensure all necessary food, stock and equipment records/sheets are maintained, reporting any concerns and resolving where possible, and ensure food and other items are stored correctly.
• In conjunction with the Centre team through pre-agreed plans, engage with the client group by participating in relevant activities.
• The ability to empathise and communicate with our client group including those with disabilities, poor mobility and additional health issues
• Support the Centre Co-ordinator to develop and monitor agreed budgets for expenditure linked to kitchen activity.
• Take responsibility for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including sanitary and food safety guidelines, including implementing a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in all areas of the kitchen, and reporting any issues or concerns to the Centre Co-ordinator.
• Working with the Centre Coordinator, ensure all relevant health and safety policies and procedures are implemented and reviewed as required, including risk assessments.
• Oversee and undertake regular cleaning of the kitchen area in line with the Centre cleaning schedule, including but not limited to food preparation areas, floors, tableware, cutlery, utensils, and other kitchen equipment.
• Ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear is worn at all times when in the kitchen
• Undertake and maintain necessary training and qualifications required for the role.
• To attend training and staff meetings as and when necessary.
• To comply with all CISWO’s Policies and Procedures.
• Any other duties as is reasonable required.

Skills/Qualifications/Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience working as a cook / chef in a commercial kitchen / community / education or health catering setting.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Catering/Cooking.
• Awareness of manual handling techniques.
• Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety.
• Experience of kitchen equipment including dangerous equipment such as knives.
• Food hygiene certificate level 3.
• Ability to understand the needs of older people and cater for specific dietary needs.
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Strong team player and ability to work independently.
• Works well under pressure and remains calm and professional.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to problem solve and use initiative.
• A good standard of education including GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
• Ability to be flexible to the needs of the organisation including occasional evenings or weekends if required.

Desirable:

• Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace Award
• First Aid qualification.
• Ability to use a PC and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience of supervising others in a kitchen environment

This role requires a satisfactory DBS.