Cook X 2

National Trust; Dorking; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a Cook to join our rural team. You will focus on preparing and presenting fresh, seasonal dishes in the kitchen, serving visitors, and helping with deliveries while maintaining high hygiene standards.

We offer induction, allergen and food safety training, with potential for further professional development. The role is a zero-hour contract with a fixed term to 6 October 2027 and is based in a rural location requiring reliable transport.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a kitchen preparing and presenting food from scratch.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present delicious food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Serve food directly to visitors.
• Help with deliveries and keep the kitchen clean to be compliant with health and safety legislation.
• Induction and training in allergens and food safety; opportunity for further training.

Skills

Loves good food

Friendly attitude

Follow recipes

Batch-cooking

Health & safety

Job description

Summary

Do you have a passion for food? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we'd love you to be a part of it.

We’re looking for a Cook to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.

Benefits

We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.

Hours

This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.

Salary

£13.25 per hour

Duration

Fixed Term to end 6th October 2027

Interview date

From 21st October

Potential start date

November

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

What it's like to work here

To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust,

What you'll be doing

As a Cook, your focus will be in the kitchen, helping to prepare and present delicious food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Your food will be served directly to visitors.Using the framework of our ‘National Trust Cookbook’, you’ll prepare, measure and mix ingredients. You’ll help with deliveries and with keeping the kitchen clean, to be compliant with health and safety legislation and to make sure that service runs smoothly.We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.

Who we're looking for

• someone who loves good food and has a friendly and positive attitude.
• confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn.
• aware of health and safety compliance.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places