At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals in a busy school kitchen.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in the catering industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work/life balance with competitive pay and perks.
- Other info: Term time only role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing nutritious meals to students every day.
- Qualifications: Two years of catering experience and a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Term Time Only – 44.6 weeks per year
Are you passionate about preparing great food and looking for a catering role that offers an excellent work/life balance? We’re looking for an experienced School Cook in Croydon to help prepare and serve delicious, high-quality meals in a busy school catering environment. Working Monday to Friday during term time, you’ll play an important part in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring food is prepared to high standards while providing excellent service.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and cooking delicious food to a high standard
- Supporting the smooth running of the school kitchen and service counters
- Delivering excellent customer service
- Helping manage stock and kitchen inventories
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and Health & Safety
- Working effectively with the wider catering team
- Supporting colleagues to deliver a consistently high standard of service
- Representing Compass Group UK&I and Chartwells in a positive and professional way
What we’re looking for:
- Have at least two years’ catering experience
- Be passionate about producing great-tasting food
- Hold NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
- Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
- Have excellent communication and organisational skills
- Be motivated, reliable and keen to develop their skills
- Have a strong understanding of food hygiene and Health & Safety
What’s in it for you?
- Monday to Friday working
- Term time only – contracted to 44.6 weeks per year
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Digital GP access for you and your immediate family, plus wider healthcare benefits
- Discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
- Savings at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and other retailers
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cash rewards across a range of brands
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- Discounts and offers that can be shared with friends and family
If you’re an experienced cook looking for a rewarding school catering role in Croydon, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your catering career.
About Us: As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Could you bring your spark to CH&CO? Apply today, we'd love to hear from you.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
School Cook - Croydon employer: Compass Group PLC
Compass Group UK&I is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where initiative is recognised and rewarded. As a part-time Retail Supervisor, you will enjoy flexible working hours while being part of a dynamic team at a major High Street brand, with opportunities for career progression and development in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook - Croydon
✨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 Compass Group PLC. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group PLC
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group PLC 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 School Cook - Croydon
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 Compass Group PLC 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 Compass Group PLC
✨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!
