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Cook
| Posting date: | 29 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £12.60 to £14 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 29 May 2026 |
| Location: | The Briars, Crich |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | The Briars Catholic Youth Retreat Centre |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Location: The Briars, Crich, Derbyshire
Hours: 18 hours per week, term time only, plus 2 additional weeks (occasional weekends as required)
Pay: £12.60 – £14.00 per hour, depending on experience
Contract: Part time, permanent (3 month probation)
Reports to: Catering Manager
About The Briars
The Briars is a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre nestled in the Derbyshire countryside, welcoming groups of up to 60+ guests for residential retreats, school visits and parish weekends. Good food sits at the heart of the warm hospitality we offer — and the Cook plays a central role in helping our guests feel welcomed, cared for and at home.
The Role
Working as part of a small, friendly team — and often cooking solo on shift — the Cook is responsible for delivering meals that are tasty, nutritious and produced to a high standard of food hygiene and presentation in accordance with specified menus. The role suits someone who enjoys cooking for groups, takes pride in their work, and is happy to contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a Christian retreat Setting.
What You'll Do
Prepare, cook and serve meals for groups in line with set menus.
Cater confidently for a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other allergens.
Manage your time and the kitchen on solo shifts, ensuring every meal is ready on schedule and presented attractively.
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and organisation across the kitchen, stores and dining areas.
Follow our food safety management system (HACCP) — temperature checks, cleaning schedules and allergen records.
Help with stock control, deliveries, rotation and reducing food waste.
Welcome guests warmly and work cooperatively with our staff, volunteers and visiting group leaders.
What You'll Bring
Essential:
Some previous experience of cooking for groups or in a catering environment.
Confidence to plan, prepare and serve meals on solo shifts.
Ability to cater for a range of dietary needs and allergens.
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe).
Good organisational skills and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
A friendly, helpful manner and a genuine commitment to hospitality.
Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
Formal catering qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience of menu planning and stock control.
Experience in a residential, retreat, hospitality or school catering setting.
Why Join Us?
A friendly, supportive team in a beautiful Derbyshire setting.
Term-time hours that fit well around family life or other commitments.
A meaningful role contributing to a charity that supports young people.
On-site parking and home-cooked staff meals on shift.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining why this role appeals to you to: recruitment@ndcys.com
For an informal chat about the role before applying, we'd love to hear from you — please get in touch using the email above.
The Briars is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
Hours: 18 hours per week, term time only, plus 2 additional weeks (occasional weekends as required)
Pay: £12.60 – £14.00 per hour, depending on experience
Contract: Part time, permanent (3 month probation)
Reports to: Catering Manager
About The Briars
The Briars is a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre nestled in the Derbyshire countryside, welcoming groups of up to 60+ guests for residential retreats, school visits and parish weekends. Good food sits at the heart of the warm hospitality we offer — and the Cook plays a central role in helping our guests feel welcomed, cared for and at home.
The Role
Working as part of a small, friendly team — and often cooking solo on shift — the Cook is responsible for delivering meals that are tasty, nutritious and produced to a high standard of food hygiene and presentation in accordance with specified menus. The role suits someone who enjoys cooking for groups, takes pride in their work, and is happy to contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a Christian retreat Setting.
What You'll Do
Prepare, cook and serve meals for groups in line with set menus.
Cater confidently for a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other allergens.
Manage your time and the kitchen on solo shifts, ensuring every meal is ready on schedule and presented attractively.
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and organisation across the kitchen, stores and dining areas.
Follow our food safety management system (HACCP) — temperature checks, cleaning schedules and allergen records.
Help with stock control, deliveries, rotation and reducing food waste.
Welcome guests warmly and work cooperatively with our staff, volunteers and visiting group leaders.
What You'll Bring
Essential:
Some previous experience of cooking for groups or in a catering environment.
Confidence to plan, prepare and serve meals on solo shifts.
Ability to cater for a range of dietary needs and allergens.
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe).
Good organisational skills and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
A friendly, helpful manner and a genuine commitment to hospitality.
Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
Formal catering qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience of menu planning and stock control.
Experience in a residential, retreat, hospitality or school catering setting.
Why Join Us?
A friendly, supportive team in a beautiful Derbyshire setting.
Term-time hours that fit well around family life or other commitments.
A meaningful role contributing to a charity that supports young people.
On-site parking and home-cooked staff meals on shift.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining why this role appeals to you to: recruitment@ndcys.com
For an informal chat about the role before applying, we'd love to hear from you — please get in touch using the email above.
The Briars is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.