Head Cook

Active Pathways; Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 22 days + BH

Refer a Friend bonus

Health Cash Plan

Workplace pension

Blue Light Card

Lunch on site

DBS checks

Job summary

Active Pathways is opening Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden, near Manchester. We are seeking a Head Cook to lead the kitchen from day one for our November launch, with a full-time 37.5-hour week and a pay of £14.50 per hour.

You will plan nutritious meals, lead the kitchen team, manage stock and budgets, and ensure hygiene and safety standards to support residents’ wellbeing and recovery.

Qualifications

• Head Cook experience in leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen compliance.
• Experience planning meals for diverse dietary and nutritional needs.
• Ability to lead, organise, and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, and high-quality meals tailored to residents’ needs.
• Lead, supervise, and support kitchen staff, including rota planning and development.
• Manage stock ordering, budgets, and kitchen resources effectively.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control.

Skills

Head Cook leadership

Team leadership

Budget management

Food hygiene knowledge

Job description

To ensure consistency in our care delivery applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.

As we put the finishing touches to our exciting new Droylsden service, interviews for this role will be conducted at one of our established services in Preston or Leeds.

NEW SERVICE OPENING IN NOVEMBER - Willow Rise

Start Date Anticipated - 2nd November

Head Cook

Location: Droylsden, Manchester

Pay: £14.50 per hour

Hours: Full-Time - 37.5 Hours Per Week

Cook With Purpose - Be Part of Something New

Active Pathways is coming to Manchester.

In November 2026, we will open Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden—and we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Head Cook to lead our kitchen from day one.

This is more than a cooking role. This is your opportunity to:

• Create a kitchen service that is at the heart of recovery and wellbeing
• Build and lead your own kitchen team and environment
• Help shape the experience of our very first residents
• Be part of launching something meaningful, exciting, and new

Why This Role Matters

At Willow Rise, food is more than nutrition—it’s comfort, routine, independence, and connection. As Head Cook, you’ll play a key role in supporting recovery by delivering high-quality, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that meet individual needs and preferences.

You’ll also contribute to a safe, welcoming and therapeutic environment, where residents feel valued and supported.

• Lead a brand-new kitchen service
• Make a real difference to people's daily lives
• Combine creativity with structure and care
• Support residents to engage with food, cooking, and life skills

About Willow Rise

Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered.

Inspired by the Willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence.

Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

At its core, Willow Rise represents:

• Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
• Rise — progress, empowerment, and the belief that everyone can move forward

The Best Bits

• Annual leave of 22 days, plus Bank Holidays
• Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £500 per referral
• Health Cash Plan - covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)

What You'll Be Doing

As Head Cook, you will:

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, and high-quality meals tailored to residents’ needs
• Ensure all meals meet dietary, cultural, and allergen requirements
• Lead, supervise, and support kitchen staff, including rota planning and development
• Manage stock ordering, budgets, and kitchen resources effectively
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and infection control
• Contribute to a positive, welcoming dining experience for residents and visitors
• Involve and support residents in kitchen-based activities where appropriate
• Lead on audits, inspections, and continuous improvement within the kitchen

What We're Looking For

• Experience as a Head Cook, Chef, or in a similar leadership role
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen compliance standards
• Experience planning meals for diverse dietary and nutritional needs
• Ability to lead, organise, and motivate a team
• Good stock control and budget management skills
• A positive, flexible, and proactive approach
• A genuine interest in supporting people in a care environment

Build Your Career With Us

At Active Pathways, we believe every role contributes to recovery—and every colleague has the opportunity to grow.

Whether you want to develop your leadership skills, expand your knowledge, or progress into wider roles, we’ll support your journey.

Why Join Active Pathways?

With over 20 years of experience in delivering outstanding mental health and rehabilitation services, Active Pathways is built on our CARE values, which shape everything we do:

• Competent - We deliver safe, consistent, high-quality care that puts our residents first
• Accountable - We act with transparency, take ownership, and build trust in everything we do
• Resilient - We support one another, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger together
• Ethical - We treat everyone with integrity, fairness, and respect

When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.

Build Your Leadership Career With Us

At Active Pathways, we don’t just develop carers—we develop leaders.

We invest in your growth because we know great leadership drives outstanding care.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, help build a brand-new service, and make a lasting difference—

Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.