Cook

About The Role

Working Hours: 25 Hours Per Week (Monday-Friday, 9am-2:15pm including a 15minute unpaid break. )

Contract Type: Part-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 22 August 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm 

Interview Method: Face to Face 

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice). We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.  

Proof of Manchester Residency –  Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships will initially only be advertised to Manchester residents and internal candidates. An applicant is classed as a resident of Manchester if they live within the boundaries of the City of Manchester; i.e. Any Council Tax liability for their home would be with Manchester City Council. To check if you fall under the Manchester City Council boundary please visit - https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council 
Residents at Etrop Grange are accommodated as they are either rough sleeping, or in need of emergency accommodation. They have a self-contained room at the project and no access to cooking facilities, other than a kettle in their room and communal microwave. Residents are therefore provided with breakfast and one hot meal each day. The breakfast is served by onsite support staff 8:30am-9:00am, it is up to the cook to wash any pots after the service and put breakfast items away. The successful candidate will then need to prepare a hot meal that is served by the cook 12:30pm-1:00pm. The leftover meals are served to residents at the second service 4:30pm-5:00pm, but this is done by the onsite support staff as the cook finishes shift at 2:15pm. You will be required to prepare 70 portions a day, 10 of which will be vegetarian.  The role holder will also be responsible for the day to day cleaning of the kitchen and ensuring it meets health and safety requirements. In addition, it is the responsibility of the cook to order the food stock for the kitchen, put this away and complete a menu for each week. Some weeks, we may receive food donations, it is up to the cook to safely store such items and organise the kitchen appropriately.  In addition, as the role is Monday to Friday, the cook will be required to prepare meals for Saturday and Sunday lunch service and handover instructions to the support staff for the food service on these days.

About the Candidate

You will be required to have an understanding of health and safety procedures in a catering environment. You will complete a Level 2 Food and Hygiene Qualification once you have started in post.  The candidate must be a dynamic individual who can adapt to changing situations as and when they happen. Whilst you will not be directly supporting residents, our clientele have complex needs, and so the successful candidate must be compassionate and be adaptable. In your personal statement, can you please provide an example of when you have catered for a large number of people.  If you would like any further information please contact Qasim Abbasi by email [email protected]

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

• Inter