At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen, cooking meals and managing daily operations.
- Company: Join Dumfries and Galloway Council, dedicated to equality and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays, a pension scheme, and discounts on essentials.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and cooking is essential.
- Other info: This role involves working with vulnerable children; PVG check required.
The predicted salary is between 13800 - 14500 £ per year.
You will be required to work 23.75 hours per week, 38 weeks per year. Monday to Friday (working times to be discussed at interview).
Dumfries and Galloway Council are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic person to take the lead, manage and cook meals within a busy school kitchen within Kirkinner Primary School. You will be supported by your line manager and given direction/instruction as and when required.
You must have managerial or supervisory experience within a catering environment as well as cooking skills/experience.
Tasks associated with this post include:
- Providing Early Years and School Meals to children and young people
- Managing the kitchen budget
- Responsible for H.A.S.A.W. and Cooksafe
- Allergen Awareness
- Organising the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Be able to approach problem management with ease
- Deal with any complaints
- Follow Council processes and procedures
- Cash handling
- Use of digital appliances (Laptop) and programmes/applications
- Customer awareness
- Be aware of the current food trends and customer awareness
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.
Benefits of the Role:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- School Holidays
- Career Progression
- Personal Training Plan
- Uniform Provided
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
If you would prefer a paper application form, call 01387 260 406 to request one.
For further information please contact:
Name: Carol Siberry
Contact Number: 07768 022 593
Email Address: Carol.Siberry@dumgal.gov.uk
Contact Detail:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook 3 - DGA12194
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Cook 3 position, especially around managing a school kitchen. Highlight any relevant experience you have in a similar environment during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your knowledge of current food trends and allergen awareness. Being able to discuss these topics confidently can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to problem management and how you handle complaints in a busy kitchen setting. Real-life examples will demonstrate your capability effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the kitchen's operations and team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook 3 - DGA12194
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in managing a kitchen and cooking skills in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your managerial or supervisory experience in a catering environment. Include specific examples of how you've managed budgets, dealt with complaints, and organised kitchen operations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the importance of providing meals to children. Mention your awareness of food trends and customer service skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and working in a school environment. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for preparing meals, especially for children.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role requires managerial experience, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in catering. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team or kitchen operations.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complaints or managing kitchen pressures. Think of specific situations where you effectively resolved issues or met tight deadlines, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Food Safety Regulations
Knowledge of H.A.S.A.W. and Cooksafe is crucial. Brush up on these regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure food safety and allergen awareness in your cooking practices.