Cook

Role overview

This position supports the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in delivering safe, efficient and high-quality meal preparation and cooking. The role is focused on teamwork, good hygiene standards, customer satisfaction and helping to encourage sales within the unit.

The post reports to the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor and is accountable through the Catering Manager via the relevant Area Catering Manager. The role includes shared supervision of staff.

Core duties

• Prepare and cook a wide variety of meals, including help with menu planning, portion control, special dietary meals and function catering where needed.
• Support record keeping and related administrative tasks.
• Help maintain kitchen hygiene, health and safety standards, including taking and recording temperatures.
• Provide direction to, or share supervision of, other staff members.
• Oversee service points operationally, including transported meals.
• Assist with meal planning, stock checks, ordering and control of stores and fridges, and receiving deliveries.
• Cover general kitchen management when the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor is absent.
• Take part in staff training and shared supervision duties.
• Handle cash duties when required and appropriate.
• Carry out routine kitchen work such as washing up, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables, and cleaning the kitchen, dining areas and equipment.
• Support efforts to promote the service to parents, principals and customers to improve uptake.
• Secure the premises when required.
• Carry out other tasks connected with service delivery as assigned.

Working standards and general conditions

• All duties must comply with applicable laws, statutory requirements, regulations and codes of practice.
• The post is carried out under the normal working conditions associated with this type of role.
• All required administration must be completed as needed.
• Reasonable duties at the same grade may also be assigned, provided they are within the employee’s competence.
• The role requires promotion and support of the school’s values and ethos.
• The job description may change over time and should be treated as a flexible guide rather than a rigid list of duties.
• In line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the post-holder must support good relations, equality of opportunity and compliance with equality legislation at all times.

Selection and application guidance

Applicants must clearly show, in the application form, how they meet the required criteria for each question. Both essential and desirable criteria should be addressed where relevant, and this must be done by the closing date unless stated otherwise.

Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using the application form. The panel may shortlist only those candidates it considers strongest for the role. If there are too many applications, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed.

Essential criteria

• Either an NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking, City & Guilds 706-1 and 706-2, or an equivalent/higher relevant qualification; or two years of experience in food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles.
• Willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Ability to communicate well and work effectively with colleagues and customers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-focused approach.
• Good organisational and planning ability, with the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Motivation to deliver excellent food and customer service.
• Evidence that your work style and experience align with the organisation’s ethos and values.

Additional hiring notes

If the post involves regulated activity with children or young people, an enhanced disclosure of criminal background will be required. The applicant must pay the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate, and payment instructions will be provided at the pre-employment stage.

The organisation states that it is an equal opportunities employer. Applicant guidance notes and information about employee benefits are available, and a summary of terms and conditions for the role is also provided separately.

Notes for applicants

• Candidates should make sure their application form explains clearly how they meet each criterion, as failure to do so may affect shortlisting.
• Essential criteria are assessed first at shortlisting, while some criteria may also be explored during interview and selection.
• Desirable criteria may be applied if the applicant pool is too large, and they will be considered in the order listed.