Unit Catering Supervisor | Catering Services | Older People Care Services | Padiham

Lancashire County Council; Burnley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority's catering service in Burnley is seeking a skilled cook for a part-time, permanent position. You will be responsible for menu preparation, supervising staff, and maintaining hygiene standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in cooking for large groups and ensuring special dietary needs are met. This role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Up to 32 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Pay review annually

Wellbeing Support Programme

Staff Discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in menu planning and stock control.
• Demonstrated ability to cater for large numbers.
• Experience in supervising staff within a kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food costing and stock control.
• Understanding of specialised diets and basic nutritional needs.
• Awareness of basic hygiene and Health & Safety requirements.
• Proficiency in the correct use of kitchen equipment and utensils.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for skilled cooking activities and menu preparation.
• Maintain hygiene standards and oversee service points.
• Supervise employees to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Manage record-keeping, ordering supplies, and stock control.

Skills

Menu planning

Stock control

Team leadership

Catering for large numbers

Food costing

Knowledge of specialised diets

Hygiene and Health & Safety

Proper use of kitchen equipment

Job description

In this fast-paced and rewarding role, you will be responsible for a variety of skilled cooking activities, including the preparation of menus, portion control, and the provision of special dietary meals where appropriate for our elderly residents. You will ensure the highest standards of hygiene and Health & Safety are maintained in the kitchen, while also overseeing the operational control of service points along with maintaining accurate record-keeping, ordering supplies, and counting and recording stock as required. You will also play a key role in supervising other employees working in the kitchen, ensuring that all team members are working safely and effectively. Your expertise in menu planning, stock control, and catering for large numbers will be essential in delivering high-quality meals. Knowledge of food costing, specialised diets, and basic nutritional needs would be an advantage, as well as knowledge of the correct use of kitchen equipment and utensils.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for somebody who is proactive, can work independently and make decisions under pressure, with excellent organisational and team leadership skills. A commitment to equality, diversity, health, and safety is also crucial.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in menu planning and stock control.
• Demonstrated ability to cater for large numbers.
• Experience in supervising staff within a kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food costing and stock control.
• Understanding of specialised diets and basic nutritional needs.
• Awareness of basic hygiene and Health & Safety requirements.
• Proficiency in the correct use of kitchen equipment and utensils.

About the Organisation

Lancashire County Council is dedicated to providing comprehensive in-house catering services to 16 residential care homes and 11-day centres for Older People’s Care Services across Lancashire, serving over 800 meals daily. Our commitment to high-quality care and dietary services is rooted in our core values of promoting dignity, independence, and respect for all residents.

Woodside is a purpose built two storey home for older people located in Padiham, offering a safe, comfortable, and homely environment for up to 45 residents. We provide friendly, compassionate, and person-centred support to individuals living with dementia, as well as welcoming older people for residential care, short-term respite stays and intermediate rehabilitation services.

Position Details

Salary £ 24,404 per annum (pro‑ra­to) with enhanced pay for weekend working. Permanent, Part‑time – 28 hours per week, Padiham, Great.

Benefits

Annual leave: up to 32 days, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season. You can also purchase additional leave. Financial benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, annual pay reviews, and enhanced pay for weekend working. Training and Development: an excellent induction through our Social Care Academy and ongoing support for your career and professional development. Health and Wellbeing: a Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family. Staff Discounts: access to dozens of discounts through Vivup, our employee benefits partner. Our scheme covers a car lease scheme, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more.

We embrace diversity and have a range of support, groups and networks for staff, including the Forum of Asian Black and Ethnic Employees (FABEE), the Disabled Workers Forum and the LGBTQ+ Employee Network. This position is part‑time, please note the salary quoted is full‑time equivalent, the salary received will be paid on a pro‑ra­to basis.