Lead Cook

Living Wage Foundation; Bere Alston; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; 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

Child-centered environment

Job summary

Robinwood is seeking a Lead Cook for Maes y Nant near Alston. The role starts 1 November 2026 and runs fixed term to 31 October 2027 with potential extension.

Typical hours are 32 per week, with a 4‑week rotating timetable and shifts from early morning to early evening. Enjoy a stable, family‑friendly environment with meals on shift and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy kitchen with 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 experience

Cooking passion

Food hygiene knowledge

Customer-focused

Job description

Lead Cook

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Location: Bere Alston, Devon, GB, PL20 7

Any

Application Deadline: 2026-12-09 21:30:14.573

Position Details

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 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 Maes y Nant.

What you will be doing as a Lead Cook:

• 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

Job Reference: JBRP1_UKTJ