Job 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:

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.