School Chef

School Chef

Wigan Full-Time 20000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: As a School Chef, you'll prepare and serve delicious meals for children while leading a team.
  • Company: Join Wigan Council, awarded 'Overall Council of the Year', committed to community and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, exclusive rewards, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives with your culinary skills in a fun, dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Passion for food, excellent customer service skills, and ability to lead a team are essential.
  • Other info: This role offers term-time hours, no split shifts, and a chance to work in a vibrant school atmosphere.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance. Please specify on the application the position you are applying for.

St Stephen's CE Primary School, Manchester Road, Astley, M46 7BT - 27.50 hours per week, term time working 38 weeks plus 6 days per year plus 14 hours staff engagement.

Hindley Junior and Infant School, Argyle Street, Hindley, WN2 3PN - 25 hours per week, term time working 38 weeks plus 6 days per year plus 14 hours staff engagement.

We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough. We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Your role: Do you have a passion for working with children in a school setting? If so, then this might be the opportunity for you! As a School Chef, you will work term time fixed hours and are not expected to work split shifts, nights or weekends; this is great for any childcare needs. You are responsible for the quality control of all food, H&S, food safety and COSHH. You will adhere to specific food preparation and standards, following a two-week rotating menu. You will lead and supervise catering assistants, assign work, and train your staff. You will order food from LK approved suppliers and rotate stock effectively. You will be appreciated and thanked every day by the children and play a vital role in many schools being able to operate as usual.

About you: Are you passionate about food and dedicated to providing the best possible service? School Chefs need to be flexible, dynamic and be able to work with reduced kitchen staffing for ad-hoc periods. You must have fantastic customer service skills, be calm when working under pressure and promote a professional image which always mirrors the Team Wigan behaviours. School Chefs are decisive Team Leaders who provide effective support to subordinates, ensuring Local Kitchen standards of food excellence are maintained when preparing, cooking, and serving high quality meals which energise and inspire school children.

About us: Wigan Council has been voted 'Overall Council of the Year' at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations. You will work for the Local Kitchen, Transport & Road Safety service. School Chefs are supported by multiple teams, these include:

  • Local Kitchen Business Management team.
  • Business Support team.
  • Operations Team.

The Local Kitchen Business Management team manage food procurement and provide business and catering improvement guidance. The Business Support team are the central hub and manage the day-to-day staff allocation. The Operational team are here for your wellbeing! They organise training, aspects of H&S, deliver staff engagement sessions, support attendance, listen to your needs and provide advice and guidance where needed. LTRS is dedicated to innovation and continues to advance the service through trust and technology. No matter what the working day brings we've got you covered.

Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits.

To be appointable in this role you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK. If you are unsure, please visit the below link to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For further information, please contact Maria Hawkins at m.hawkins@wigan.gov.uk

Interview date: To Be Confirmed. This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check. The employer is committed to safeguarding.

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School Chef employer: Wigan Council

Wigan Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated. As a School Chef, you will enjoy a stable term-time schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development through dedicated training and support teams. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and innovative practices, Wigan Council ensures that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children in your community.
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Contact Detail:

Wigan Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land School Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of children. Understanding how to cater for various dietary restrictions will not only enhance your application but also show your commitment to providing quality meals.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience you have in a school or similar environment. Being able to demonstrate your ability to work with children and manage a kitchen effectively will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any past experiences where you've led a team or trained staff. This is crucial as the role involves supervising catering assistants and ensuring high standards are maintained.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Wigan Council and their values, especially their commitment to diversity and community. Tailoring your approach to align with their mission can demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit for the team.

We think you need these skills to ace School Chef

Culinary Skills
Food Safety Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Customer Service Skills
Team Leadership
Menu Planning
Stock Management
Training and Development
Time Management
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Specify the Position: Make sure to clearly state the position you are applying for in your application. This helps the hiring team quickly identify your interest and ensures your application is directed to the right department.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have working in a kitchen or with children. Mention specific roles where you demonstrated leadership, food safety knowledge, and customer service skills.

Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working as a School Chef. Share why you love cooking for children and how you can contribute to their well-being through nutritious meals. This personal touch can make your application stand out.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a culinary role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Council

✨Show Your Passion for Food

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to providing high-quality meals and how you can inspire young minds through food.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a School Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Highlight your ability to train and support staff while maintaining high standards.

✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and COSHH guidelines. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen environment and how you would handle any potential issues.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about situations where you had to adapt quickly or manage a busy kitchen, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.

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