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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join HES Catering Services, the award-winning provider of school meals in Havering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and term-time only work.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals to students every day.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience and a passion for food preparation are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 29436 - 31158 £ per year.
Overview
Salary: £13,993.33 pa pro rata per annum (£29,436 - £31,158 per annum) - 20 hours per week, term time only. Plus 4 cleaning days during the School Holidays.
About us
HES Catering Services are the Local Authority provider of school meals for the London Borough of Havering, working in partnership with local schools and academies to provide award-winning meals and services. We supply a wide range of high-quality catering services to the majority of schools within the borough and also work with other schools outside Havering to offer bespoke solutions for schools and businesses with in-house catering teams. HES Catering’s ongoing success comes from amazing colleagues across all sites who prepare Healthy, Fresh, Vibrant & Tasty meals with high-quality produce. We serve over 15,000 meals per day in our schools.
About the job
Grade 3: £13,993.33. 20 hours per week, term time only. Plus 4 cleaning days during the School Holidays. To undertake the preparation, simple cooking and the serving of food and beverages in accordance with the Council's contractual arrangements.
About you
The post holder reports to: Cook Supervisor or Higher Graded Operative. The post holder has line management responsibility for: No direct staffing responsibilities. The post holder will be required to work: As defined on Staffing Profile. Hours of work: 20 hours per week.
Additional Information
For any further information and/or an informal discussion about the role please contact us. The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 29th January 2026. Please view the Job Profile here.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please attach your supporting statement explaining in no more than two A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Required Experience
- Junior IC
Key Skills
- Culinary Experience
- Restaurant Experience
- Food Preparation Experience
- Food Service
- Kitchen Experience
- Serving Experience
- Cooking
- Dietary Department Experience
- Menu Planning
- Sanitation
- Knife Skills
- Meal Preparation
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Yearly Salary: £29,436 - £31,158
Assistant Cook at Upminster School employer: Borough of Havering
Contact Detail:
Borough of Havering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook at Upminster School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering needs! Research Upminster School and HES Catering Services to understand their values and what they look for in an Assistant Cook. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees! If you can, reach out to people who work at HES Catering or Upminster School. They can give you insider tips on what it’s like to work there and what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As an Assistant Cook, you might be asked to demonstrate your cooking skills. Brush up on your food preparation techniques and be ready to showcase your culinary flair during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the HES Catering Services site. It shows initiative and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook at Upminster School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to the role. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and enthusiasm for preparing tasty meals.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is specific to the Assistant Cook position. Highlight your relevant experience in food preparation and service, and explain how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Stick to the point and avoid unnecessary fluff in your application. Aim for a well-structured document that’s easy to read and gets your key messages across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals and dietary requirements that HES Catering Services provides. Being able to discuss specific dishes or ingredients during your interview will show your passion for food and your understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your culinary experience, especially any relevant kitchen roles you've held. Bring examples of how you've successfully prepared and served food in the past, as well as any sanitation practices you follow to ensure a clean working environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a kitchen setting. Think about scenarios where you had to adapt recipes or manage time effectively during busy periods, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Express Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with others, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive kitchen environment or supported colleagues in previous roles.
