Cook

Role Purpose

Requirements

• Create and maintain weekly menus, from recipe development through to execution, meeting quality standards and within cost controls
• Understand and maintain kitchen cost management, including profit and loss and margins
• Submit weekly financial information in line with company processes, including retail sales, stock checks, and time and attendance for payroll purposes
• Manage all stock management, developing relevant SOP’s, monitoring all necessary controls to minimise waste, ensuring relevant targets are met
• Undertake regular customer feedback exercises, respond directly and positively to customer feedback, taking remedial action as required
• Oversee preparation and display of all counter and food displays
• Participate in Health and Safety committee, collaborating on employee health initiatives
• Manage budget and control food and labour costs
• Management of kitchen staff activities, recruit, and manage kitchen staff
• Day-to-day management and leadership of Kitchen team, including Customer Service Assistants
• Set standards, objectives, and targets for each team member
• Monitoring of all aspects of team performance and implement improvement plans
• Maintain positive supplier relationships, supporting local producers and inhouse product
• Working with Health & Safety undertake risk assessments
• Working with Maintenance to report any building or equipment faults, following up on action
• Ensure all HACCP and food safety policies and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure accurate food traceability records are maintained
• Ensure hygiene is maintained at the highest levels and equipment is kept to the required standard
• Any other duties as required by management and within the competency of the post holder

Skills/ Experience

• Diploma / BTEC HND in Professional Cookery or equivalent is essential
• Food Hygiene Level 3 desirable
• Exceptional interpersonal, organisation, communication, and creativity skills essential
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills essential
• Commitment to good practice and precision with culinary instructions, recipes, and directions to staff
• Communicates well in written and oral form with multi-nationals on all levels
• Ability to multitask and work under own initiative to deliver to deadlines
• Relationship builder with influencing and motivational skills
• A hands-on team leader and motivator, with the integrity, drive and leadership qualities to inspire confidence and secure high standards of performance and professionalism in a challenging and competitive environment
• Good IT skills
• Strong team player

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
• Annual Holiday Purchase Scheme - Need a little more time off? Purchase additional annual leave.
• Company Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for the future with access to our company pension scheme.
• Death in Service Benefit - Eligible salaried employees are covered by our Death in Service benefit, providing financial support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
• Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to £500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to join Kepak.
• Free On-Site Parking - Our site has dedicated staff parking, available free of charge for all colleagues.
• Subsidised On-Site Canteen - Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared hot meals and food options at reduced prices in our on-site canteen.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money on a new bike and cycling equipment through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme - Access an electric vehicle through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the loyalty, dedication and valuable contributions of our long-serving colleagues.
• Discounted Gym Memberships - Support your health and wellbeing with access to discounted gym memberships.
• Training and Development - We are committed to helping you grow your career through structured onboarding, regular online and in-person training, and clear opportunities for career progression.
• Mentoring and Leadership Development Programmes - Whether you're looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, our mentoring and leadership development programmes are designed to help you reach your full potential.
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme - Free and confidential emotional, practical and financial support for all Kepak colleagues, including access to counselling, mental health support, legal guidance and a 24/7 confidential helpline.
• Financial Advice & Will Writing - Access free mortgage advice and a complimentary will writing service as part of your employee benefits package.