Local Government South East
Head Cook/Cook In Charge
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Full Time Addlestone, Surrey Posted 4 hours ago £20,200 - £21,933 (Post P&G £22,867 - £24,996) £ / Year Closes: 2 August 2026
Website: Runnymede Borough Council
Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate and progressive council
About The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Runnymede Borough Council as we continue our positive work in the Community. As the Head Cook at the Eileen Tozer Day Centre, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 2.00pm. The role is a varied role, and you will be required to:
- Provide a healthy & nutritious two course meal for centre clients staying within a set budget, adhering to food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
- Plan, organise & supervise the preparation, cooking & serving of food for visitors to the Day Centre.
Food Production
- Instruct, direct & support the Assistant Cook & Kitchen Assistants.
- Supervise staff & volunteers in the preparation & service of food in conjunction with Food Safety Regulations.
- Ensure the kitchen is maintained at the highest possible levels of cleanliness.
- Establish the numbers of meals to be prepared on a daily basis.
- Maintain accurate records.
Organisation
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Plan menus, prepare costings & order provisions, all within budgeted targets & in conjunction with the Centre Manager.
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Prepare freshly made cakes and sandwiches for stocking the tea bar & Meals at Home Service delivery.
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Control stock by means of regular stock takes, ensuring levels remain within budgetary targets.
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Ensure deliveries are checked off against orders & are stored appropriately.
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Ensure cooking equipment is properly maintained, with any maintenance requirements reported to the Centre Manager.
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Ensure temperature monitoring of equipment & meals is carried out according to procedure.
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To be available to spend time with Centre visitors.
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To be available to undertake training as required.
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To attend staff meetings.
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To be available to assist in other RBC Centre kitchens, when required.
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To assist in the provision of an Emergency Rest Centre, in the event of a Civil Emergency.
Benefits
- 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Pension Scheme
- Free Parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Payment of one professional membership per annum
- Cycle to work + further related discounts
- Season ticket loan
- Health insurance plan after 1 years’ service/ Dental after 3 years’ service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
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Interview Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Salary
Please note that Runnymede Borough Council is currently undertaking a pay and grading review, which is expected to be implemented during the summer. The successful applicant will be appointed under the Council’s current grading and salary structure and, following implementation of the new framework, will be assimilated into the revised pay structure in line with all existing employees.
The grading in the new pay structure for this role will be RBC3
About You
We are looking exceptional candidates who are organised, caring and enthusiastic to join our small team of committed staff at the Eileen Tozer Day Centre with a range of skills, including:
- Well-developed people skills.
- Ability to prepare a healthy & nutritious two course meal for centre clients
- Experience in volume catering and using commercial kitchen equipment
- Experience of supervising a team
- Good team leader
- Experience of stock control mechanisms
- Experience of budgeting
- Good communication skills
- Good time management
- Maintain accurate records
- Positive problem-solving approach
- Ability to use a computer
- Ability to work under pressure
Previous experience of working with older people and knowledge of special diets would be desirable
The ideal candidate will possess a caring, patient, empathetic nature with the ability to be flexible when required
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with excellent listening skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team and to work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for our clients
- Experience of working with customers or clients in a frontline working environment
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by older people
- Experience with staying within a set budget
- Adhering to food hygiene and health and safety regulations
- Willing to undertake training as appropriate
- Excellent organisation skills
- Ability to undertake basic administration tasks
- Ability to use initiative and can be calm under pressure
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About Runnymede
Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward-thinking attitude and award-winning departments. As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects. We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open-minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.
From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey. West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation. The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident-focused council. It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.
Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.
All applications are handled in compliance with our privacy policy
Use of AI in your application
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications. Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
To apply for this job please visit jobs.runnymede.gov.uk.
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