Cook

Position Summary

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) seeks a Cook to support the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in all aspects of meal preparation and cooking within a catering establishment. The role demands teamwork to deliver efficient, hygienic food service ensuring high customer satisfaction and boosting unit sales.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform skilled cooking tasks for a variety of meals, including menu planning assistance, portion control, special dietary meal preparation, and function catering as needed.
• Assist in maintaining records and enforcing hygiene, health, and safety standards in the kitchen, including temperature monitoring.
• Provide shared supervision of staff and oversee operational service points, including transported meals.
• Contribute to administrative duties such as meal planning, stock-taking, store and fridge organisation, and receiving deliveries.
• Manage kitchen operations in the absence of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor and participate in staff training.
• Handle cash duties where applicable.
• Conduct general kitchen cleaning, washing up, setting up, and clearing equipment and dining areas.
• Help promote the catering service to parents, principals, and customers to increase participation.
• Ensure security of premises as required and perform additional delegated duties connected to service provision.

Key Requirements

• Possess either an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2, or an equivalent or higher qualification; or have at least two years of food preparation and cooking experience in a catering environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures.
• Willingness to undertake relevant job-related training.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and customer engagement.
• Well-developed organisational and planning abilities, capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Motivation to deliver excellent food and customer service.
• Alignment with the Education Authority's ethos and values, demonstrating professionalism and integrity in work practices.

Additional Notes and Conditions

• Applicants must clearly illustrate on the application form how they meet both essential and desirable criteria to be considered for shortlisting.
• Selection may apply additional desirable criteria if the candidate pool is large.
• This position involves regulated activity; appointed candidates must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background and cover associated costs.
• All activities must comply with relevant legislation, codes of practice, and the organisation's values and ethics.