Job Description

Job Title: House Cook

Reporting to: House Manager

Basic Salary: 29,000 - 32,500 per annum

We are looking for an organised and energetic

House Cook

to lead our catering operation in one of our hostels, located in Central London, serving breakfast and dinner meals every day. The majority of food is prepared fresh daily, and the role offers a high level of autonomy in menu planning and kitchen operations.

As a

standalone role

, it is ideal for a self-starter who can take full ownership of the kitchen, while also supervising and guiding a small team of volunteers.

Hours: 40 Hours

The position offers a flexible schedule with a mix of weekday and weekend shifts:

Weekdays:

1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Weekends:

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The role includes a 5-day workweek, which may include weekends.

Job Location:

LHA Bowden Court, 24 Ladbroke Terrace, London W11 3PG

Our Business:

LHA London has been providing high quality accommodation in London since 1940 and now have thirteen large hostels providing affordable accommodation for nearly 2000 people in the capital. Our residents are young, single people studying or working in London, and live with LHA either to undertake educational courses, or if working, to give themselves time to familiarise with London, to make friends and to decide whether or not to make more private and long-term arrangements for housing.

Main Purpose of Job:

Reporting to the House Manager, you will lead on the preparation and service of the daily food menu while ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, kitchen safety and cleanliness standards. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintain supplier relationships, manage stock, and support volunteer team members.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Food Ordering, Storage, Preparation and Service

Prepare menus and lead the day-to-day kitchen operation with autonomy, while liaising with the House Manager as needed. Maintain good stock control practices, including rotation, usage logs, and minimising waste. Manage and negotiate with suppliers, ensuring quality of goods, timeliness of delivery, and cost-effectiveness. Compile and place all food orders in consultation with the House Manager. Prepare, cook, and present all meals to a consistently high standard. Ensure appropriate portion control and quality presentation across all meals.

Budgets

Work closely with the House Manager to manage the kitchen within the allocated budget. Review supplier performance and costs regularly, suggesting improvements where possible. Monitor food costs and make recommendations to improve value for money and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

Health & Safety

Ensure the highest standards of hygiene and kitchen cleanliness are maintained at all times. Record all fridge, freezer, and food service temperatures daily and report irregularities. Ensure compliance with all legal requirements including the Food Safety Act 1990, Health & Safety Act 1974, and internal kitchen policy. Ensure all kitchen equipment is operated safely, maintained appropriately, and faults are reported immediately. Undertake mandatory and role-specific training as required.

Staff Supervision

Lead by example and supervise volunteers supporting the kitchen. Ensure the kitchen is left clean, secure, and in good order after each shift. Report to the Duty Manager before leaving site and raise any incidents or issues promptly. Undertake any other reasonable duty as directed.

Key Skills:

Minimum 3 years' experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in a lead or senior role Strong knowledge of stock control, supplier management, and ordering processes Understanding of food cost control and budget management Solid grasp of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and compliance procedures Excellent communication and team leadership skills Passion for food and creating nutritious, appealing meals Ability to remain calm and organised under pressure Proactive and solution-focused attitude

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your wellbeing, professional growth and contributions.

Benefits Include:

Additional day off to celebrate your birthday after one year of service Free onsite meals and free gym access Quarterly Employee Recognition Awards Opportunity to join the Employee Forum and have your voice heard Enhanced pension contributions (Employee 5%, Employer 7%). LHA will match your additional contributions up to 10% Comprehensive wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work scheme and Season Ticket Loan Death in service coverage Enhanced maternity benefits Strong commitment to your continuous professional development Regular staff events and networking opportunities
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 29,000.00-32,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site gym Private medical insurance Sick pay Store discount
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Experience:

professional kitchen: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 05/07/2025