Catering jobs in Whaley Bridge

Cook – Whitestones HOP, SK23 0TN

Location: Whitestones HOP, High Peak, SK23 0TN
Start Date: ASAP (Original start date: 12 November 2026)
Contract Duration: Temporary contract until 6 January 2027
Hours: 37 hours per week, 08:00 – 15:00
Pay Rate: £13.28 per hour

Who We Are:
We are a dedicated team committed to supporting adults in residential care settings by ensuring they receive nutritious, well-balanced meals that support their health and wellbeing. Our focus is on maintaining dignity, safety, and quality of care through excellent catering services.

Who Our Client Is:
Our client is Derbyshire County Council's Adult Residential Services, focused on delivering high-quality residential support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and person-centred care for vulnerable adults.

What We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a reliable and experienced Cook to work at Whitestones HOP in an adult residential care setting. The role involves preparing, cooking and serving nutritious meals, meeting residents' dietary requirements and preferences, and ensuring high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety at all times.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for residents in an adult residential care setting.
• Plan menus that meet residents' dietary requirements and preferences.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, well-balanced and prepared to appropriate standards.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Follow food safety procedures, including correct food storage and handling.
• Manage food preparation and cooking efficiently to meet scheduled meal times.
• Communicate effectively with residents and colleagues to ensure a positive dining experience.
• Monitor kitchen supplies and help minimise food waste.

Requirements:
Must Have:

• Practical cooking skills and experience in food preparation.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety procedures.
• Ability to plan and prepare meals to meet different dietary requirements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Right to work in the UK (must be verified).
• Enhanced DBS clearance.

Nice to Have:

• Previous experience working as a cook in a care home or adult residential setting.
• Experience planning menus for residents with varied dietary needs.
• Relevant cookery or food hygiene qualifications.
• Knowledge of catering requirements within health and social care environments.

Professional Accountabilities:

• Deliver catering services in line with organisational standards and requirements.
• Maintain strict compliance with food hygiene, food safety and health & safety regulations.
• Promote resident wellbeing through nutritious, balanced and high-quality meals.
• Ensure residents' dietary requirements and preferences are respected.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
• Support a safe, clean and well-managed kitchen environment.

Additional Information:

• The role is based at Whitestones HOP, High Peak, supporting Derbyshire County Council's Adult Residential Services.
• An enhanced DBS disclosure, valid within the required period, is required.
• Candidates must provide references covering the last two years, with all employment gaps verified.
• An in-person interview will form part of the selection process.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK must be verified before submission.
• Relevant qualifications, licences or professional registrations must be verified where applicable.
• Candidates will be required to complete the necessary confidentiality and information governance documentation.

Job Reference: 5310179

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: £13.28 per hour

Application question(s):

• Are you available to attend an in-person interview if shortlisted?

Experience:

• Cook: 1 year (required)
• catering/food preparation: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• DBS (required)
• cookery, catering or food hygiene qualifications (required)
• Enhanced DBS certificate (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person