Cook - Part-time

Retirement Villages Group; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Retirement Villages Group is hiring a part-time Cook at Debden Grange to support the Head Chef in delivering fresh, sustainable dining for residents and guests. This role runs 15 hours per week on Thursdays and Fridays, with a focus on high standards of food safety, menu development, and cost-conscious operation.

You will supervise the kitchen team, ensure HACCP/COSHH compliance, train staff, and foster a welcoming, customer-focused dining experience within our village community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ industry experience with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification is essential.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and food safety management systems.
• Organised, reliable and able to work under pressure.
• Team player who leads by example and aligns with our values.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with day-to-day operations and delivery of the restaurant and village catering services.
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to uphold high standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation.
• Contribute to menu development, specials, and events, balancing creativity with cost control.
• Monitor food and beverage quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, COSHH, and allergen management.
• Train, coach, and supervise staff, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment.
• Build strong relationships with residents and guests, ensuring a welcoming, customer-focused service.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Food safety knowledge

Team player

Education

Food Safety Level 3 qualification

Tools

HACCP knowledge

COSHH compliance

Food safety management systems

Job description

We are pleased to be recruiting a Cook to play a key role in delivering an exceptional dining experience at Debden Grange.

This is a part-time role working 15 hours per week (Thursdays & Fridays).

As a Cook, you’ll support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team to deliver fresh, high-quality, and sustainable food and beverage services. You’ll role-model excellent standards, ensure compliance with all safety and hygiene requirements, and help shape a menu that delights our residents and guests alike.

In the absence of the Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the smooth running of the kitchen - ensuring exceptional service, managing costs effectively, and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with day-to-day operations and delivery of the restaurant and village catering services
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to uphold high standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation
• Contribute to menu development, specials, and events, balancing creativity with cost control
• Monitor food and beverage quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, COSHH, and allergen management
• Train, coach, and supervise staff, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment
• Build strong relationships with residents and guests, ensuring a welcoming, customer-focused service

About you

• Minimum 3 years’ relevant industry experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification (essential)
• Strong knowledge of food safety management systems, HACCP, and COSHH
• A passion for delivering exceptional food and service
• Organised, reliable, and able to thrive under pressure
• A team player who leads by example and embraces our values

Our values

At RVG, our values shape everything we do:

• Age Well - creating opportunities for all to live well for longer
• Community - believing in the power of togetherness
• Keep Improving - always striving to do better
• Invest Wisely - treating every penny as our own
• Planet Positive - working to reduce our impact on the environment
• One Team - supporting and learning from one another

Why join us?

• Be part of an exciting restaurant in a welcoming, community-focused environment
• Opportunity to influence menus, standards, and ways of working
• Competitive pay and benefits package
• Training and professional development to grow your career