At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook fresh, tasty dishes and keep the kitchen organised and safe.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leading provider of catering services in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy mental health support, career training, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career growth, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference by serving nutritious meals to students every day.
- Qualifications: Passionate about food, with experience and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 27594 - 33726 £ per year.
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.
About the role
We're currently recruiting a Cook to join Chartwells on a flexible, zero hours basis, working relief cover, Monday to Friday. You’ll bring the flavour, cooking fresh, tasty dishes our customers look forward to and keeping the kitchen organised and safe.
What you’ll do:
- Preparing high-quality food that brightens our customers' day
- Working as a team to prepare and serve delicious meals
- Looking for ways to improve our menus and food services
- Recording and reducing food waste
- Supporting with kitchen organisation, stocking and cleaning
- Complying with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards
What we offer:
- Employee Assistance Programme - Mental health support, offering confidential advice and resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
- Perks at Work - Access to exclusive benefits and wellbeing resources
- Career training & development opportunities - Including Apprenticeships and Career Pathways
- Earn up to £500 when you refer a friend
- Comprehensive pension scheme and life assurance
- Onsite free car parking
About you
Our ideal Cook will:
- Be passionate about world-class food and customer service
- Have experience in a similar role
- Be a strong team player with excellent communication skills
- Have a good understanding of Food Handling & Hygiene standards
- Have a flexible approach to working
Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
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!
Cook in Stockport employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a full-time Food & Beverage Supervisor role at RAAF Amberley that combines leadership with a great work-life balance. Our supportive team culture fosters professional growth, with guaranteed pathways to management opportunities and a focus on employee development, all while providing high-quality service to the Defence community. Enjoy weekday-focused shifts, reduced hours during festive seasons, and a range of employee benefits that make working with us both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Stockport
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Compass Group. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
