Lead Cook

Robinwood Activity Centre Limited; Alston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Tax-free bonus

12 weeks off per year

Staff social events

Training and development

Child-centred environment

Job summary

Robinwood Activity Centre Limited is seeking a Lead Cook to join the catering team at Barhaugh Hall, near Alston in Cumbria. The role covers a 32-hour week on an annualised hours contract with a fixed-term start date of 1 November 2026 and ending 31 October 2027, with potential extension.

You will oversee kitchen operations and help deliver nutritious meals for children and adults. The position offers a supportive, child-centred working environment with no late nights and weekend work on a

Qualifications

• Experienced in a busy kitchen with leadership responsibility.
• Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety.
• Positive, proactive and customer-focused.

Responsibilities

• As Lead Cook 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.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food hygiene

Teamwork

Customer service

Menu planning

Job description

Lead Cook

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 wont just be preparing meals youll 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 Maes y Nant.

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

Ready to apply?

If youre looking for a rewarding role where you can cook great food, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and make a real difference, wed love to hear from you.

Internal and external applicants welcome.

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