At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and cook nutritious meals for students while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's Cityserve, dedicated to healthy school meals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a vibrant school setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through food and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and a passion for food and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 27254 £ per year.
Deputy Cook – Ward End Primary School, Ingleton Road, B8 2RA
Permanent Grade A - £24,796 - £27,254
Working 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, term time only. Daily hours to be confirmed. Location – Ward End Primary School, Ingleton Road, B8 2RA. To include 3 cleaning days and 5 teacher training days. Salary is on a Pro Rata Basis.
Cityserve is a Birmingham City Council catering service for school meals providing fresh and nutritious food for school kitchens across the UK. Healthy eating is a continuous theme throughout all of our menus, and we are committed to the wellbeing of pupils.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy environment, delivers excellent customer service, and is able to motivate and support team members.
As a Deputy Cook, your responsibilities will include:
- Assist in preparing and cooking meals for pupils
- Assist in planning and controlling all aspects of the service, keeping the kitchen clean & tidy
- Assist in costing, stocktaking, and keeping appropriate records using IT skills (iLearning and Oracle)
- Assist with staff training
- To assist in maintaining a menu with balanced diets and allergen control
- To be aware of the care users’ needs and dietary preferences
- To manage the kitchen in absence of the Catering Supervisor
Previous kitchen experience is essential to this role.
About You:
- Good people skills
- Passion about food and customer service
- Great team player
- Food Safety Level 3
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Allergy Awareness Certificate
- Experience in a similar environment
- High standards and quality drive
- A ‘can do’ attitude
Please upload an up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. Your Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills, and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post.
We cannot consider any applications without a CV AND Personal Statement attached.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining, and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquiries please contact: Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Deputy Cook - Ward End Primary School in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Cityserve, as part of Birmingham City Council, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and the community it serves. With a strong commitment to healthy eating and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a collaborative team environment, and a focus on work-life balance with term-time hours. Joining Cityserve means being part of a dedicated team that values quality service and the importance of nourishing young minds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Cook - Ward End Primary School in Birmingham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Birmingham City Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Birmingham City Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Birmingham City Council directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Cook - Ward End Primary School in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Birmingham City Council and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
