Lead Cook/Chef - Cogydd Arweiniol

Wales & West Housing; Prestatyn; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defin ed contribution pension withLife

25 days annual leave

30 days with service + buy/sell 5 days

Wellbeing support & EAP

Job summary

Wales & West Housing is seeking a Lead Cook/Chef for an Extra Care Scheme in Nant Y Mor, Prestatyn. You will lead a lunchtime service, oversee staff and stock, and create nutritious menus to meet residents’ dietary needs.

You’ll build strong relationships with residents and care teams while ensuring service quality and compliance. The role offers a supportive environment with 37 hours per week, a defined contribution pension, generous leave, and wellbeing benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Cook/Chef working with fresh food.
• Excellent cooking skills including baking and desserts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen to deliver a lunchtime service with fresh ingredients.
• Manage daily operations including staffing and stock ordering.
• Develop varied menus meeting residents' nutrition and dietary needs.
• Build strong relationships with residents, catering teams and scheme managers.
• Monitor quality, respond to feedback and drive improvement.

Skills

Cook/Chef experience

Scratch cooking

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Food quality & efficiency

Job description

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about food and making a positive impact on people's lives? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as our Lead Cook/Chef at our Extra Care Scheme in Nant Y Mor, Prestatyn.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to enhance the lives of residents and communities across Wales by leading a high-quality catering service that delivers outstanding food and nutritious, freshly prepared meals.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the kitchen in delivering a lunchtime-only service using fresh ingredients and cooking from scratch.
• Manage daily operations, including staffing, stock ordering, and compliance with food safety and health regulations.
• Create varied menus that cater to residents' preferences, nutritional needs, and special dietary requirements.
• Build strong relationships with residents, catering teams, and Extra Care Managers to ensure a seamless service.
• Monitor service quality, respond to feedback, and drive continuous improvement.

Who are we looking for?

• Proven experience as a Cook/Chef working with fresh food.
• Excellent cooking skills, including baking and dessert preparation.
• Previous experience supervising staff or leading a team.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A passion for food quality, service excellence, and operational efficiency.

Do you have:

• Experience: A proven track record as a Cook/Chef working with fresh food.
• Skills: Excellent cooking skills, including baking, and dessert making
• Communication: Excellent relationship-building and communication skills to liaise effectively with catering teams, scheme managers and residents.
• Passion: A genuine passion for food quality, service excellence, and operational efficiency.

What's in it for you?

In return for your hard work, commitment and innovation, you will enjoy an environment focused on more than just competitive pay. You will enjoy:

• £30,178 - £33,215 per annum
• 37 hours per week
• Daytime shifts only - no late nights or split shifts, giving you time to enjoy your evenings and maintain a healthy routine.
• Regular weekends off - perfect for spending quality time with family, relaxing, or pursuing your hobbies. Real work life balance!
• Defined Contribution pension, including 3x death in service life insurance cover
• You'll start with 25 days of annual leave, which increases to 30 days with length of service. You'll also have the flexibility to buy or sell up to 5 days (pro rata), plus additional time off for volunteering, health screening, and other wellbeing activities - giving you the freedom to balance work with what matters most to you.
• Regular feedback, training and support from your manager and team.
• Access to comprehensive wellbeing support, including a generous sick pay scheme, critical illness cover, and a cash plan benefit to help with everyday healthcare costs. Plus, you'll have 24/7 access to a confidential employee assistance and counselling service, offering practical advice and emotional support whenever you need it.

Who are Wales & West Housing Group (WWHG)?

We are one of the leading housing providers in Wales; providing affordable homes and services to more than 24,000 residents in over 12,500 properties across Wales. We formed a Group company in 2011, to include Cambria Maintenance Ltd.

We employ over 450 staff at WWH and over 190 staff in Cambria, making us a major Welsh employer.

We are proud to be a multi award-winning organisation, recognised as a 3* World Class Best Company and Investors In People Platinum - the first in Wales. Find out more about us on our website.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a DBS check due to the nature of the role.

Closing date: Monday, 14th September 2026

Assessment date: Tuesday, 15th September 2026

This opportunity is ideally suited to applicants living in North Wales, including Rhyl, St Asaph, Hollywell, Abergele and Denbigh.

Candidates searching for roles such as Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Chef Manager, Lead Chef, Senior Cook, Cook Supervisor, Food Services Manager, Extra Care Chef, Residential Chef, Care Home Cook, or Community Chef may find this opportunity a great fit.