Cook - Part-time

Retirement Villages; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 8,500 - 9,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Job summary

Retirement Villages in the UK is seeking a Cook to support the Head Chef in delivering an exceptional dining experience at Debden Grange. This part-time role (15 hours/week) covers Thursdays and Fridays, guiding the kitchen to provide fresh, high-quality meals for residents and guests.

You will lead the kitchen team in food safety, hygiene, and presentation, while helping shape menus and events. A Food Safety Level 3 qualification and supervisory experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Passion for delivering exceptional food and service.
• Organised, reliable, and able to thrive under pressure.
• Team player who leads by example and embraces 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

Leadership

Food Safety Level 3

HACCP & COSHH

Cost control

Education

Food Safety Level 3

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