Cook/Chef

Do you have a passion for creating joyful and meaningful catering experiences? At Dunfield House, we are seeking an enthusiastic Cook or cooks to join our established team.

About us

Set within 15 acres of gardens, woodland, and open countryside on the Welsh borders, Dunfield House is a Grade II listed Georgian estate with a rich history and a warm, welcoming spirit. For generations, we have opened our doors to schools, youth groups, families, and community organisations, offering a place to learn, celebrate, and connect.

With its characterful house, heated indoor swimming pool, and breathtaking rural setting, Dunfield provides an inspiring backdrop for retreats, residential stays, and special occasions. Supported by our dedicated and friendly team, every visit to Dunfield House is designed to create lasting memories in a truly unique environment.

About Dunfield House

Dunfield House is privately owned and lovingly operated by the Community of Christe. Guided by our values of care, compassion, and service, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe, and inspiring environment for all our guests. As owners, we are deeply committed to supporting our staff, maintaining the historic house and grounds, and providing memorable experiences for everyone who visits. Joining Dunfield House means becoming part of a team that is values-driven, community-focused, and proud of the difference we make. Showing how good the world can be.

The Role

Food is an important aspect for our guests, and the service Dunfield House provides, and we focus on serving freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced, classic, and comforting meals to suit each group's individual preferences.

We are seeking a Cook (or two Cooks working part-time) to join our catering team.

The successful candidate(s) will:

• Prepare and cook meals, desserts, and puddings for groups and staff.
• Cater for a range of dietary needs and allergens.
• Provide café-style service during open days.
• Support with special events and celebration meals.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, organisation, and safety in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Supporting the kitchen team to complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning
• Clearing down and resetting the dining rooms between meals, which will also include washing up.
• Work collaboratively with the other cook, kitchen, and front-of-house staff.
• Participate in a short handover from the other kitchen team to ensure continuity.

This role may suit:

• One full-time cook (to include working across morning, afternoon, evening and weekend shifts).
• Or two part-time cooks (typically working 5-hour shifts to include working across morning, afternoon, evening and weekend shifts.)

Hours and working patterns will be discussed and agreed upon based on the applicant(s).

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Experience in cooking/catering (including desserts/puddings).
• Knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management, and safe kitchen practices.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and occasional events.
• Food Hygiene Level 1 with willingness to achieve Level 2.

Desirable:

• Experience in bulk catering or school-style meals.
• Experience in café-style or event catering.
• Understanding of catering for different dietary, cultural, or religious needs.

Benefits of Working at Dunfield House

• Friendly, long-term staffing team in a supportive environment.
• Free parking on site.
• Free use of our heated indoor swimming pool for staff, which does include immediate family. E.G., Partner and children/Children and parents. (outside of guests' times)
• Company pension scheme.
• Opportunities to gain additional training and skills.
• Work in a stunning countryside setting as part of a unique community-focused organisation.

Additional Information

• Hours: Flexible depending on whether the role is filled by one full-time cook or two part-time cooks.
• Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience.
• Appointment subject to references and right-to-work checks.

Flexible Working and Alternative Duties

Outside of scheduled group bookings, Cook's contracted hours may be moved to a day shift, which can be discussed and arranged to support flexible working and work-life balance. If cooking duties are not required, the Cook will be asked to:

· Complete physical and online training relevant to their role and development. Examples include working from height, heavy lifting, first aid training +more

· Undertake alternative work assigned by the Operations Manager to fulfil contracted hours. This may include:

§ Gardening and grounds maintenance

§ Laundry and linen duties

§ Deep cleaning of kitchen, dining, and other areas

§ Assisting with decoration or maintenance projects

§ Supporting other areas of Dunfield House where operational work is needed

These arrangements ensure that contracted hours are met while contributing to the overall smooth running and upkeep of Dunfield House.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

We'd love to meet you If you're considering applying, give us a call to arrange an informal site visit. Come and explore Dunfield House, have a chat with us, and meet the friendly team you could be working alongside. It's a great way to get a feel for the role and the environment before applying.

Call us at or email to arrange your visit

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From £12.25 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person