Head Cook — Lead a Brand-New Kitchen for Recovery

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

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.