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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, prepare delicious meals, and ensure top-notch food safety standards.
- Company: Join Bournemouth & Poole College, a vibrant community dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days annual leave, discount schemes, and a solid pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values diversity and makes a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, Level 3 Food Safety, and experience in catering required.
- Other info: Part-time, term-time only role with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 29000 £ per year.
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Here at Bournemouth & Poole College, we are looking to recruit a Catering Lead Cook on a part time, term time only basis. In return,you will receive a competitive salary of £27,225 – £29,057 depending on experience (£18,961.23 – £20,237.15 pro rata for term time only)
About Us
At Bournemouth & Poole College our staff are passionate and committed to achieve the very best outcomes for our students – we transform lives. We recognise and value our people as our most important asset in achieving each of the strategic outcomes within our College’s Strategic Plan. We believe it is through our people that an excellent student experience will be delivered, and this will have a positive impact in our local community. We value inclusion and we are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring we have a diverse, skilled, and motivated workforce who are empowered and engaged. This makes our College a unique, vibrant and rewarding place to work. You will be employed through Southern Educational Professional Services Ltd; a subsidiary of the College.
The Catering Lead Cook Role
As our Catering Lead Cook, you will prepare and cook all the hot food provision and supervises food preparation by the Catering General Assistants to ensure a high-quality catering and hospitality offering to college staff, students & visitors.
Maintaining Food safety standards, hygiene practices and Customer satisfaction at all times.
Key Responsibilities Of The Catering Lead Cook
- Cooking and serving of food on daily basis and for regular hospitality requests
- Supervision of Catering General Assts during food preparation and service to ensure food safety standards and close communication with them to ensure continual service and queue reduction
- Ensure the dining and service area are ready for service
- Ensure food offers /specials to reflect current trends and optimisation of stock
- Stock Control, including but not limited to taking inventory of ingredients and catering supplies, ordering new stock, and receiving, checking and storage of stock deliveries
- Responsible for Placing food orders via phone or computer, verifying supplier prices, and conducting price comparisons.
- Ensure all allergens are clearly available for all products
- Record and monitor fridge / freezer temperatures including hot food temperatures on the counter
- Clean catering areas to regulated standards
- Development of menus, with consideration of costings
- Keep up to date with modern trends and regulation changes in the food industry
- Undertake mandatory training
- Inform the Supervisor of any defects in equipment or premises
- Adhere to all College policies and procedures, including those related to safeguarding, health and safety, financial regulations, and equality of opportunity. Represent the College positively, engage in ongoing professional development, and undertake other duties as required
- Work as and when required to cover our Lansdowne Bournemouth site or the Fulcrum Tower Park sites
- Carry out other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time
About You
- Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) in English and Math (A-C or 9-4)
- Level 3 Food Safety
- NVQ 2 Professional Cookery
- Experience working in the catering industry
- Experience Supervising a team
- Experience of Food preparation and cooking
- The ability to lead and work as part of a team
- Knowledge of Allergen and food safety regulations
- The ability to work under pressure and use own initiative
Benefits
You will receive excellent benefits and a competitive salary:
- 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30.5 after 5 years\’ service
- up to 4 days additional leave during the Christmas closure period
- Access to Discount Schemes at multiple retailers
- Enrolment into the NEST Pension Scheme
Closing Date: 23rd September 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you feel you are the right candidate for this Catering Lead Cook rolethen please click ‘apply’ now! We’d love to hear from you!
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.
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Catering Lead Cook employer: Bournemouth and Poole College
Contact Detail:
Bournemouth and Poole College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Lead Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and dietary requirements, especially regarding allergens. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing a high-quality catering service.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully supervised a team in a busy kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Bournemouth & Poole College if possible. They can provide insights into the college culture and what they value in a Catering Lead Cook, which can give you an edge during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining food safety standards and hygiene practices. Being able to articulate your methods for ensuring compliance will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Lead Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the catering industry, particularly any supervisory roles. Emphasise your qualifications such as Level 3 Food Safety and NVQ 2 Professional Cookery.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to high food safety standards. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage food preparation effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of allergen regulations and food safety practices. Provide examples of how you've maintained hygiene standards and customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Showcase Your Team Leadership: Discuss your experience supervising a team in your application. Highlight how you have successfully communicated with team members to ensure smooth operations and quality service during busy periods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth and Poole College
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in detail. Bring examples of dishes you've created or even be ready to demonstrate your skills if asked. Highlight any special dietary considerations you can accommodate, such as allergen management.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
Since the role involves supervising a team, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen environment. Discuss how you handle conflicts, motivate staff, and ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current trends in the catering industry and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into the college's menu offerings. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to providing a modern dining experience.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the college's catering operations, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
