Elms Cook

DENS; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local charity organization is looking for a passionate Cook to join their team in Hemel Hempstead. The role involves preparing high-quality meals for residents in a hostel, adhering to health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have kitchen experience, a Food Hygiene Certificate, and a commitment to delivering nutritious food. This position offers flexible weekend hours and benefits like annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working environment

Medicash plan

Employee assistance programme

Professional development

NEST pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience includes kitchens in schools, colleges, or care homes.
• Essential to have a current Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Must be passionate about high-quality food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Safely produce high-quality hot meals, desserts, and drinks.
• Maintain Health & Safety standards and keep records updated.
• Manage food prep, minimize waste, and liaise with the Head Chef.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergens are managed accurately.

Skills

Experience in a kitchen

Strong verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Passion for wholesome food

Education

Current Food Hygiene Certificate

Recognized catering qualification

Job description

Location

The Elms Hemel Hempstead

Salary

£16.25 an hour

Hours

Saturday and/or Sunday, 6 hours every weekend or every other weekend. (Approx. 2pm to 7pm but negotiable)

Reports to

Elms Head Chef

Closing date

18th January 2026. We may close the advert or start interviews before the closing date based on the applicants we receive.

About the Role

DENS is looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team at The Elms, our 44‑bedroom mixed hostel. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently and wants to make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents through nutritious, high‑quality food.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Safely produce high‑quality hot meals, desserts, and drinks, ensuring they are nutritional, varied, and follow agreed meal plans.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict Health & Safety standards and keep the ‘Safer Food Better Business for Caterers’ records updated.
• Kitchen Management: Manage food prep, minimize waste, keep catering areas clean and well‑stocked, and liaise with the Head Chef.
• Allergen Awareness: Ensure all dietary requirements and common allergens are managed with total accuracy.

About you

• Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen (schools, colleges, or care homes is a plus) and the ability to work confidently on your own.
• Qualifications: A current Food Hygiene Certificate is essential. A recognized catering qualification or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Skills: Strong verbal communication and a passion for simple, wholesome, and well‑presented food.
• Values: A commitment to excellent customer service and a supportive attitude toward our residents.

This role is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

• 25 days or equivalent annual leave
• Flexible working environment
• Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
• Employee assistance programme - 24/7 mental health support helpline
• Professional development and training
• NEST pension scheme

How to apply

If you match our criteria, please send your CV, including your Supporting Statement.

For an informal chat or to request a full job discription and person specification, please ring our Accommodation Service Manager, Ruth Osbourne on 01442800131.