Robinwood Activity Centres
Lead Cook

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Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.
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 Barhaugh Hall.
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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


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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
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