At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious and nutritious meals for our pupils while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a supportive Specialist School in Nottingham City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on inclusivity and support.
- Why this job: Be a key player in nurturing happy and healthy students through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and a passion for providing quality meals.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Head Cook to join our Specialist School in Nottingham City Centre. You will be instrumental in providing breakfast, lunch, snacks and occasional hospitality service to our school. You will plan and write menus and provide nutritious and varied meals for our pupils whilst considering specialist and varied dietary requirements.
You will have a duty to plan and prepare these meals from ordering stock right through to the presentation to our pupils. High standards of hygiene and adherence to codes of conduct and guidelines are crucial to this role. You will have the ability to be flexible in your approaches. It is vital that you can maintain an environment where our pupils feel happy, safe and valued.
Salary: £16.49 p/hr or £22,558.02 (actual salary) per annum - Term Time Only (45.6 weeks)
Hours: 30 per week, Monday to Friday 07:30am to 1:30pm
Closing date for completed applications: Week commencing Monday 17th August
Interviews will take place: Friday 14th August 2026
Autism East Midlands is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from anyone interested in working with autistic individuals. We are also a Disability Confident Employer.
Head Cook in Nottingham employer: Autism East Midlands
Autism East Midlands is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Sutherland House School. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer extensive induction and training opportunities that empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic pupils. Join us in a rewarding career where your passion for education can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook in Nottingham
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Autism East Midlands and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Autism East Midlands that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Autism East Midlands.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Autism East Midlands get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism East Midlands
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Autism East Midlands and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
