Lead Cook

Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd; Alston; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Profit-related bonus

12 weeks off per year

Staff social events

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd. at Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, Cumbria, is looking for a Lead Cook to join a small catering team. You will support the Catering Manager, lead shifts, and prepare nutritious meals for children and adults while meeting dietary requirements.

The role offers a Monday–Friday pattern with no late nights and weekend work, plus training opportunities. The position is a full-time 32-hour per week contract with an annualised hours arrangement, starting 1 November 2026 and

Qualifications

• Experienced in a busy kitchen (with some leadership responsibility).
• Passionate about cooking and teamwork.
• Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety.
• Positive, proactive, and customer-focused.

Responsibilities

• Support the Catering Manager in all kitchen operations
• Lead and motivate the kitchen team during shifts
• Prepare a variety of nutritious meals for children and adults
• Ensure all dietary requirements are met
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
• Provide a positive and welcoming service to guests

Skills

Leadership

Cooking

Food hygiene

Customer service

Job description

Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, Cumbria

Start date: 1st November 2026 – Fixed Term to 31st October 2027 (Potential to be extended)

Why Robinwood?

Industry-leading Employer

Living Wage Foundation accredited Investors in People Gold Employee-owned business

Love cooking and want your work to make a real difference?

At Robinwood, you won’t just be preparing meals — you’ll be helping create memorable residential experiences for children. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying evening meals, your food will fuel adventure, confidence, and fun.

We are looking for a passionate and organised Lead Cook to join our friendly team at Barhaugh Hall

What you will be doing as a Lead Cook:

As part of a small, supportive catering team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality meals and keeping the kitchen running smoothly.

You will:

• Support the Catering Manager in all kitchen operations
• Lead and motivate the kitchen team during shifts
• Prepare a variety of nutritious meals for children and adults
• Ensure all dietary requirements are met
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
• Provide a positive and welcoming service to guests

What you will get:

• £26,375 (£15.85 per hour, based on a 32-hour per week contract)
• Consistent monthly pay through an annualised hours contract
• Pay reflective of experience and skills

Plus:

• Monday to Friday shifts – no late nights or weekends
• Free meals on shift
• Profit-related tax-free bonus
• 12 weeks off per year (including August and Christmas)
• Staff social events
• Training and development opportunities
• A fun, child-centred working environment

Your working pattern:

• Full-time contract - 32 hours per week (average 38 hours worked over 5 days)
• Fixed 4-week rotating timetable
• Shifts between 6am and 8pm (latest finish), Fridays earlier

Example week:

• Monday: 9am – 8pm
• Tuesday: 7am – 8pm
• Wednesday: 6am – 3pm
• Thursday: 6am – 3pm
• Friday: 6am – 3pm

Enjoy a strong work-life balance with predictable hours and no weekend work.

Training & Development

We support your growth with:

• Food hygiene certification (Level 2 provided if needed)
• Ongoing professional development
• Opportunities to build leadership skills

What we are looking for

• Experienced in a busy kitchen (with some leadership responsibility)
• Passionate about cooking and teamwork
• Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety
• Positive, proactive, and customer-focused

Internal and external applicants welcome.