Cook

Priory Group; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 14,320 - 20,395; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Access to development opportunities

Sponsorship of professional qualifications

Leadership & management development

Job summary

A residential care provider in Kilmarnock is seeking a part-time Cook to prepare and serve meals for residents with diverse needs. Your role includes planning nutritious menus, supervising staff, and ensuring food safety standards. Applicants should have relevant kitchen experience and qualifications, along with strong communication skills. This position offers competitive pay and various benefits, including a contributory pension scheme and access to development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing and cooking meals in a professional kitchen environment.
• Possess NVQ Level 3 training and an Intermediate Food Safety Certificate.
• Strong communication skills to direct and instruct junior staff effectively.
• Experience working in a busy kitchen requiring sustained physical effort.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals considering dietary needs.
• Supervise catering staff to maintain operational standards.
• Order and rotate stock, check and authorise invoices.
• Develop varied menus aligned with healthy eating guidelines.

Skills

Experience in a professional kitchen

Strong communication skills

Resilience

Ability to instruct junior staff

Education

NVQ Level 3 training

Intermediate Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Cook

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Newhouse Kilmarnock

Compensation: £12.60 / hour

Description

Newhouse in Kilmarnock is looking to recruit a Cook to join the team. This is a part‑time role working 15 hours over 7 days. Newhouse is located in the semi‑rural village of Hurlford, near Kilmarnock, Scotland. Our home offers residential support for 22 adults with a primary learning disability diagnosis, who may also have physical health needs, or be on the autism spectrum.

What you'll be doing

You'll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the service and to support the wellbeing of our residents. While your role doesn't involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're assisting with day‑to‑day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.

As a cook you will:

• Plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals, considering dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Supervise catering support staff to maintain high operational standards and compliance with Assured Safe Catering policies and regulations.
• Order and rotate stock efficiently and cost‑effectively, checking and authorising invoices before submission.
• Develop varied and interesting menus aligned with healthy eating guidelines and individual dietary needs.

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.

Applicants should have experience preparing and cooking meals in a professional kitchen environment. They must possess NVQ Level 3 training and an Intermediate Food Safety Certificate. Strong communication skills are essential to direct and instruct junior staff effectively. Experience working in a busy kitchen requiring sustained physical effort is also important.

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.

• 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.