About this role
Are you passionate about providing nutritious and tasty meals? Then being part of our Grangemead Respite and Emergency Service kitchen team could be the job for you.
We are looking for an Intermediate Chef to join our welcoming and supportive team, providing high-quality, nutritious meals for adults with learning disabilities in a relaxed respite care setting.
As part of the kitchen team, you will play a vital role in preparing meals that meet individual dietary needs and preferences, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and carrying out routine food safety and hygiene checks. You will work closely with care staff to ensure meals are enjoyable and suited to the people we support.
If you enjoy cooking with purpose and want to make a real difference in people’s daily lives, we’d love to hear from you.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Creativity and flair in presenting meals that are appealing and meet varied dietary needs
- A professional approach to food hygiene and kitchen safety.
- A strong work ethic, contributing positively to a calm and respectful team environment.
- The initiative to plan and prioritise tasks, working effectively with minimal supervision.
- Basic IT skills for recording food safety checks and other tasks.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
Interviews will take place in person at the service in Hailsham. Interviews will include a short written question to answer. Interviews to take place week commencing 9 February 2026. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
We can support you to learn the necessary skills, as you will receive excellent training opportunities, support and mentoring in your role. You'll be working in a supportive environment that offers regular monthly supervision, opportunities for personal and professional development.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
Other facts
About East Sussex County Council
East Sussex County Council is a local authority who deliver vital community services to over half a million people, residents, businesses and visitors in East Sussex.
As an employer we offer a diverse and rewarding range of career opportunities. If you came to work for East Sussex County Council, your chosen pathway could involve work that directly influences the education, social, mental, financial, and physical wellbeing of our residents and shapes the environment within which they live, or you might make your mark within one of the essential functions that supports the delivery of these services.
• Adult Social Care and Health – provide social care services for residents over 16, including residential care and sensory care services. It also has the public health remit.
• Governance Services – provides overall governance aspects of the council including legal and constitutional arrangements.
• Children’s Services – provide social care for people under 16, state education and other childcare services.
• Business Services – responsible for managing our finances, IT, human resources, procurement and property.
• Communities, Economy and Transport – responsible for community services such as libraries and registrars, customer access/services, roads, transport planning, economy and the East Sussex environment.
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What you'll do
- The Cook will prepare high-quality, nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs and maintain a clean kitchen environment. Collaboration with care staff is essential to ensure meals are enjoyable for the adults supported.
Ready to join East Sussex County Council?
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