Relief Cook - Community OptionsCouncil

This vacancy is internal, available only to those currently engaged via a contract of employment with the Council. 

We are looking for a dedicated and organised Cook to join our Community Meals Service within Social Services. This vital role ensures the safe, efficient and high-quality production of meals for our customers, while supervising Drivers and Kitchen Assistants to maintain excellent service standards. 

This is a Grade 4, service-based position working weekdays (7.30am–3:30pm), requiring an Enhanced DBS check. 

Be the Difference: Join Our Team as a Cook! 

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community every week. As part of the Community Meals Service, you’ll help ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents receive safe, nutritious meals—delivered with care, dignity, and professionalism. 

You’ll also play a key role in supporting a small team, helping colleagues to deliver an essential, reliable service that people depend on. 

About the Role 

As a Cook Supervisor, you will have the chance to take ownership of meal production, ensuring that the highest standards of food safety and quality are met at every stage. You’ll lead and motivate a small team—including Drivers and Kitchen Assistants—making sure that safe preparation practices and correct menus are followed, and that robust health, safety and risk management procedures are upheld throughout the kitchen. 

Your role will involve overseeing stock checks, ordering supplies, and keeping meticulous records to maintain smooth operations. You’ll be a key point of contact, reporting equipment faults, monitoring repairs, and facilitating clear communication between staff, Project Officers and Team Leaders. By forwarding compliments and complaints appropriately, you’ll help shape positive feedback and continuous improvement. 

There’s also the opportunity to support meal delivery as part of the Community Meals Business Continuity Plan, conduct meaningful supervision sessions, and nurture trainee placements. Throughout, you’ll uphold confidentiality and comply with policies around data protection, equality, and health & safety—ensuring that every aspect of the service is delivered with professionalism and care. 

If you’re looking for a varied, impactful role within a supportive team, this is your chance to contribute to a vital community service and grow your skills in a rewarding environment. 

About you 

We are seeking someone who is truly passionate about delivering exceptional standards and enjoys helping others thrive. 

To excel in this role, you’ll need a Food Safety Level 3 qualification, practical catering experience—ideally with some time spent supervising a team—and a good grasp of IT, including Microsoft Word and Excel. 

Your knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and confidentiality will be invaluable, as will your strong organisational and motivational skills.

Equally important are your personal qualities: a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice, clear and effective communication with a variety of people, and a respectful, professional, and team-focused attitude. 

Above all, you’ll be dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the wellbeing of adults at risk. If you’re looking for a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A comprehensivepre-employment screening process will be undertaken which will include an Enhanced Disclosure with Adult Barred List. 

Access to a vehicle for work purposes is a requirement of the role. 

For information on the re-employment and re-engagement of former employees please refer to the Council’s Pay Policy. 

Want to ask us a question? 

For further information or if you would like to have an information discussion, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Closing Date:

2nd October 2026 – 12 midnight

Interview Date:

TBC

Position type: Part time