Cook - Leeson House

**We are looking for a suitably experienced and dedicated Cook to join our catering team.**

Leeson House Field Studies Centre is a secluded, and comfortable residential centre set within 8 acres diverse grounds, including a veggie patch and polytunnel. We are situated near Swanage, Dorset on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - an ideal location to deliver environmental education to students from Primary up to ‘A’ level.

We can accommodate up to 80 students and 12 accompanying staff and we take both residential and day visit bookings 7 days a week throughout the year.

Food is an important part of our guests experience so we’re looking for someone who is passionate about delivering quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

We cater for primary aged children, secondary pupils, and adults - in our busiest weeks you could be cooking for up to 100 people.

We do not offer typical school style meals; our menus are diverse and wholesome. We’re looking for a Cook who strives to do as much in-house as possible and goes the extra mile. If you like to be creative and want to leave a positive, lasting dining impression we’d like to hear from you.

**What’s in it for you**:
This is a permanent, full-time position, offering a living wage, a Government Pension and paid annual leave. Subsidised live-in accommodation might also be possible.

You’ll be working as part of a small team, within a large kitchen in a stunning location. We have a poly-tunnel and would like to try and grow our own produce - you’d be welcome to get involved.

There is scope to be creative and contribute to menu ideas to ensure our wide age range of guests are well fed and happy.

We understand hours in hospitality can be tough however, most nights you will be done in the kitchen by 19:30.

The post is advertised for 37.5 hours per week, hours are likely be longer in peak season however flexi time / toil will be used to help meet demand in busier periods and the somewhat quieter moments during the winter.

**What you can expect to be doing**:
You will be required to prepare, cook and serve fresh, seasonal meals paying attention to any dietary requirements, so knowledge and awareness of allergens is a must.

You will maintain records, check food deliveries and supervise other kitchen staff to ensure best practise in matters relating to food preparation, service and use of the kitchen. Maintaining food safety and hygiene standards is a priority.

We are a small team; at times you will be required to serve meals and assist in other areas as and when needed.

You will be responsible for running the kitchen in the Senior Cooks absence.

**About you**:
You will have catering experience and be confident cooking meals for up to 100 people.

Knowledge and awareness of allergens, and high levels food safety / hygiene are essential.

You will be a team player who can communicate well with others, and have the confidence to guide the kitchen team on the Senior Cooks days off.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like further information about the role. If you would like to have an informal conversation about this post, please contact Suzi Lewis - House and Catering Manager. Tel: 01929422126.

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