Active Pathways
Head Cook/Chef - Residential Mental Health
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Head Cook / Chef – Willow Rise, Droylsden, Manchester
To ensure consistency in our care delivery, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.
Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.
NEW SERVICE OPENING – SEPTEMBER – WILLOW RISE
Assessment Centres to be held in Droylsden on Wednesday 15th July.
About the Role
At Active Pathways, we are opening Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden, Manchester, launching in September 2026. We are searching for a passionate and experienced Head Cook / Chef to lead our kitchen, developing a service that is at the heart of recovery, nourishment, and community.
This isn’t just a cooking role—it’s an opportunity to:
- Create a therapeutic dining solution that supports recovery
- Build and lead a compassionate, high-performing kitchen team
- Shape the experience of our very first residents from day one
- Join a fresh initiative that provides meaningful, creative, and impactful work
Why This Role Matters
At Willow Rise, food is far more than meals. It fosters comfort, routine, independence, and connection—all vital to recovery. As the Head Cook, you will:
- Deliver nutritious, culturally inclusive, and high-quality meals that meet individual needs
- Support a therapeutic environment where residents feel respected
- Instil a sense of purpose through food education and skills-building
- Lead a new kitchen service from the ground up, embedding structure, creativity, and care
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About Willow Rise
Located in Droylsden, Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service, designed to empower individuals on their recovery journey. Inspired by the Willow tree—a symbol of resilience, healing, and strength—our ethos centres on:
- Willow – grounding, emotional strength, flexibility
- Rise – progress, empowerment, hope
Our goal is to create a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming space where individuals can regain independence, purpose, and belonging.
The Best Bits
- 22 days’ annual leave + extra days after 2 & 5 years
- Refer-a-Friend scheme – up to £500 per successful referral
- Health Cash Plan (dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, & gym discounts)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free Blue Light Card membership
- Free enhanced DBS, on-site parking, and daily lunch
- Opportunity to help launch a pioneering service from day one
Key Responsibilities
As the Head Cook / Chef, you will:
- Plan and prepare tailored, high-quality meals meeting dietary, cultural, and allergen needs
- Lead staff, including rota management and team development
- Oversee budgeting, stock control, and regulatory compliance (food hygiene, health & safety)
- Foster a positive dining experience—caring for residents and promoting food confidence
- Engage residents in kitchen-based therapeutic activities
- Lead quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements
- Proven leadership experience (Head Cook, Chef, or similar)
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance standards
- Experience with meal planning for diverse nutritional needs
- ** wcześniej leadership, organisation, and team-building skills**
- Excellent stock management and budgeting capability
- A proactive, empathetic, and culturally aware approach
- Genuine commitment to supporting recovery through food and care
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Build Your Career With Us
At Active Pathways, we empower every team member to grow. Whether you’re looking to advance your leadership, specialise in a new area, or progress within the organisation, we’ll provide the support to help you thrive.
Why Join Active Pathways?
In partnership for over 20 years, Active Pathways delivers outstanding mental health rehabilitation rooted in five key values:
- Competent – High-quality, safe care that puts individuals first
- Accountable – We act with integrity and build trust
- Resilient – We empower and adapt as a team
- Ethical – We treat people with fairness and respect
By joining us, you become part of a team shaped by kindness and purpose.
About Our Leadership Support
We don’t just develop carers—we grow leaders. We invest in your skills, confidence, and career because we know remarkable care starts with remarkable people.
If you want to:
- Launch a brand-new team from the beginning
- Shape a therapeutic kitchen service
- Make a lasting difference in recovery
APPLY NOW—be part of the Willow Rise transformation.
Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate and embrace diversity, supporting candidates from all backgrounds to perform their best.
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