Cook

Sodexo; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Employee assistance programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for you and your family

Retirement plan

Death-in-service benefit

Apprenticeships

Learning resources

Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteering day

Protective uniform

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a dedicated kitchen role to support residents at Approved Premises. You will prepare and serve nutritious meals, manage daily kitchen operations, and communicate with staff to meet meal requirements in a respectful, professional environment.

You'll work independently in a lone-working kitchen, maintain hygiene and safety standards, and handle stock and supplies while prioritising residents' needs and dietary requirements within a supportive team setting.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking or catering role, with a sound understanding of food safety and kitchen procedures.
• Ability to prepare and serve meals to a varied resident group while following menus and dietary requirements.
• Capable of working independently and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve a variety of nutritious meals in line with planned menus.
• Organise workload to ensure meals are ready and served on time.
• Maintain daily kitchen operations and high standards while working independently.
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, tidy and hygienic.
• Monitor stock levels and replenish ingredients and supplies.
• Follow food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures.
• Communicate with site staff about meal requirements and concerns.
• Interact respectfully with residents and colleagues.

Skills

Cooking

Catering

Food safety

Time management

Communication

Job description

This role is based within Approved Premises, a residential setting supporting people released from prison as they return to life in the community. Residents receive enhanced supervision and support, with a focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. You'll have contact with residents, so being respectful, professional and comfortable working in this environment is essential. Your contribution will help provide consistency and a positive daily routine through freshly prepared, nutritious meals. This is a lone-working kitchen role. You'll manage the day-to-day food service independently, preparing meals for residents and staff while communicating with the wider site team. What you'll do

• Prepare, cook and serve a variety of nutritious, well-presented meals in line with planned menus and dietary requirements.
• Organise your workload so meals are ready and served on time.
• Take responsibility for daily kitchen operations, maintaining high standards while working independently.
• Keep the kitchen and dining areas clean, tidy and hygienic.
• Monitor stock levels and replenish ingredients, utensils and cleaning supplies as needed.
• Follow food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures.
• Communicate with site staff about meal requirements, supplies and any concerns.
• Maintain a professional and respectful approach when interacting with residents and colleagues. Previous experience in a cooking or catering role, with a sound understanding of food safety and kitchen procedures.
• Confidence preparing meals and running a kitchen independently.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage your time and prioritise tasks.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• A reliable, practical and self-motivated approach.
• An understanding of the Approved Premises setting and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
• A willingness to follow site procedures and work with the wider team to support a safe, welcoming environment. At Sodexo, you'll belong to a team that values your contribution and gives you the opportunity to make a difference every day.
• Wellbeing support: Mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential personal, legal and financial advice, and access to a 24/7 virtual GP.
• Financial benefits: Discounts for you and your family, financial wellbeing tools, a retirement plan and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career development: Access to apprenticeships, learning resources and development opportunities.
• Everyday extras: Cycle to Work scheme, a paid volunteering day, training and a protective uniform.