Lead Cook


Company:	Robinwood Activity Centres Ltd
Salary:	from £15.85 an hour
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	CA9 3NJ
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	7 Sept 2026
Closing date:	7 Oct 2026

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Summary

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:

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 you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can cook great food, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Internal and external applicants welcome.

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