Cook

Salutem Care and Education; West Alvington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care organization in West Alvington is seeking an experienced Food Preparation Specialist to oversee food preparation and cooking for service users. You will guide kitchen staff while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and maintaining cleanliness in food areas. This role offers emotional, medical, and financial support, as well as opportunities for professional growth within a strong supportive team. Candidates must be dedicated and committed to enhancing the well-being of those in care.

Benefits

24/7 Employee Assistance

Flexible pay with Wagestream

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and cooking.
• Understanding of food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
• Ability to guide and monitor staff in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food for service users and staff.
• Monitor and guide staff while working in the kitchen.
• Help with input of new menus for person-centred eating.
• Ensure food preparation areas are clean and tidy.
• Daily and weekly ordering of all food-related stock.

Job description

About The Company

At Salutem Care and Education, we are dedicated to ensuring that the individuals we support receive exceptional, empowering care from a team of highly trained and compassionate staff, within environments that are both warm and nurturing. We pride ourselves on being innovative, solution‑focused, and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every person in our care.

Job Scope

• Prepare and cook food for service users and staff, following all guidelines for food hygiene and health and safety, legally and with local policies.
• Control of all food that leaves the kitchen.
• Exceptionally good housekeeping.
• Take full responsibility for the cleaning of the kitchen.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.

Job Responsibilities

• Preparation and cooking of all food at our residential service.
• Monitoring and guiding staff while working in the kitchen.
• Help with input of new menus. While working with those living in the home to make person‑centred menus, support choice promoting healthily balanced eating.
• Completing all documentation required legally and by Salutem.
• Working closely with the line manager on all food related issues.
• Ensure food preparation areas are clean and tidy.
• Ensure stock rotation and stock take are completed.
• Daily and weekly ordering of all food related stock.
• Ensure all equipment used is safe and clean, reporting any issues to the line manager.
• Ensure that all Salutem policies and procedures are followed.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times while at work.
• Be aware of the aims and objectives of the services.
• Undertake any other duty deemed reasonable as required by your manager.
• Adhere to health and safety policy and procedures, identify hazards and undertake appropriate risk assessments as required.

Our Core Values

• Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.
• Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.
• Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.
• Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.
• Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.
• Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.
• Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.

Why Choose Us

• Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
• Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
• Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
• Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

We have been recognised as a Top Employer 2025 in the United Kingdom. We have been named as a Top 50 Inspiring Workplace UK & Ireland. We are a Disability confident committed company. We have a high percentage of Good or Outstanding homes and all our children’s homes are rated Good or Outstanding.

Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well‑being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.