Cook

Overview

This role supports the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in preparing and cooking meals, ensuring an efficient, hygienic service that meets customer satisfaction and helps promote sales within the unit.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform skilled cooking tasks across a variety of meals, including menu preparation, portion control, special dietary meals, and event catering as needed.
• Assist with maintaining records and ensuring kitchen hygiene, health, safety, and temperature monitoring.
• Share supervision and direction of kitchen staff and training of personnel.
• Manage service points, including those involving transported meals, and perform related administrative duties such as meal planning, stock-taking, organization of storage, and receipt of deliveries.
• Provide general kitchen management support in the absence of senior staff and handle cash where relevant.
• Carry out cleaning duties, including washing dishes, setting up and clearing equipment and tables, and maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.
• Promote the catering service to stakeholders like parents, principals, and customers to increase uptake.
• Secure premises as required and perform delegated duties connected to service provision.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of an NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking, City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2, or an equivalent or higher qualification; OR
• At least two years of experience in food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols.
• Willingness to participate in relevant job-related training.

Additional Skills and Attributes

• Effective communication and engagement skills within a team and with customers.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and teamwork proficiency.
• Organizational skills with the capability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Motivation to deliver excellent food and customer service.

Compliance and Values

• Adherence to all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of practice.
• Promotion of equality, good relations, and adherence to the Education Authority's ethos and values.
• Completion of necessary administrational tasks and compliance with job responsibilities within competency.

Other Information

Applicants are required to clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet both essential and desirable criteria, as the selection panel will shortlist on this basis. An Enhanced Disclosure Certificate is mandatory for appointments involving regulated activity, with associated costs borne by the appointee.