Cook / Chef (AWDO-P14040) in Croydon)

AWD online; Croydon; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering company is seeking an experienced Cook / Chef to prepare healthy meals for residents in various supported housing settings. The ideal candidate will ensure high standards of food quality, safety, and hygiene while managing stock and catering to diverse dietary needs. This role offers the opportunity for flexible work across sites in London and requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering or cooking role preparing meals for groups.
• Understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel between different sites.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook well-balanced, nutritious meals for residents.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations.
• Manage stock rotation and minimize wastage.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Flexibility

Food hygiene knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

NVQ in Food Production and Cooking or equivalent

Job description

Cook / Chef

A great opportunity for an experienced cook or chef who enjoys preparing homecooked, nutritious meals in a variety of supported housing settings, maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality.

SALARY: £13.85 per Hour
LOCATION: Work across various sites in (Lewisham, Croydon, Lambeth, and Southwark)
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Overview

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Cook / Chef to prepare and serve healthy, balanced, and appealing meals for residents in supported housing environments. As a Cook / Chef you will work flexibly across different sites to ensure consistent, high-quality meal provision during periods of staff absence or increased demand. You will uphold strong food hygiene and safety standards while managing stock, minimising waste, and catering to diverse dietary and cultural needs. This Cook / Chef role is ideal for someone adaptable, organised, and passionate about home-style cooking, teamwork, and delivering exceptional meal services in changing kitchen environments.

Duties

• Preparing and cooking well-balanced, nutritious, and varied dishes for residents
• Maintaining compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations
• Ordering supplies, managing stock rotation, and minimising wastage
• Working effectively across multiple kitchens with diverse routines and residents
• Catering to health, cultural, and personal dietary needs
• Disposing of food and waste correctly in line with hygiene guidelines
• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately
• Maintaining accurate food safety and ordering documentation
• Encouraging resident engagement in kitchen activities where appropriate
• Building positive working relationships with staff, residents, and families

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in a catering or cooking role preparing meals for groups
• Understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
• Ability to work flexibly and travel between different sites
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Kindness, empathy, and respect for residents’ dignity and independence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic food hygiene certificate or willingness to obtain one

Desirable

• NVQ in Food Production and Cooking or equivalent
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and procedures
• Experience preparing a range of cuisines
• Familiarity with ordering systems, stock rotation, and waste management

This role requires a DBS check.

How to Apply

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P14040