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- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook delicious meals while ensuring a hygienic kitchen environment.
- Company: Be part of a supportive catering team within a vibrant educational setting in North Belfast.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference in students' lives.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on cooking experience and the chance to work in a fun, collaborative atmosphere.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in food preparation or two years’ catering experience is essential.
- Other info: You'll be part of a team that values equality and promotes good relations.
Job Description
Job Title: Cook
Reports To: Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor
Responsible To: Catering Manager through appropriate Area Catering Manager
Responsible For: Shared supervision of staff
Job Purpose
To assist the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in all activities concerned with the preparation and cooking of meals. Team participation is essential to provide an efficient hygienic service, to achieve customer satisfaction, and to promote sales within the unit.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Skilled cooking activities connected with the full range of meals (e.g., assist with menu preparation, portion control, special dietary meals, and function catering where appropriate).
- Assist with:
- Record keeping.
- Control of hygiene, health, and safety in the kitchen, including recording temperatures.
- The direction and/or shared supervision of other employees.
- Undertake operational control of service points, including transported meals.
- Perform associated administrative duties, which may include assistance with:
- Planning of meals.
- Stock-taking, including organizing stores and fridges and receipt of deliveries.
- General kitchen management in the absence of the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor.
- Shared supervision of other employees.
- Training of staff.
- Cash handling duties where appropriate.
- Perform general kitchen duties as required, such as washing up, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables, cleaning of the kitchen, dining room surrounds, and equipment.
- Assist in promoting the service to parents, principals, and customers to increase uptake.
- Secure premises as required.
- Perform duties as delegated in connection with service provision.
General Conditions
All duties must be carried out in compliance with:
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, Regulations, and other legal requirements.
- Codes of Practice.
All duties will be performed under normal working conditions for this role. Necessary administration must be completed as required. Duties may include other similar tasks within the employee\’s competence. The post-holder should promote and adhere to the school\’s values and ethos. This job description is subject to review and may include other duties of a similar nature.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and adhere to equality legislation at all times. For more details, click here.
Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants
- Demonstrate on your application how you meet the criteria; failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.
- Meet the criteria by the application deadline unless specified otherwise.
- The selection process will evaluate these criteria as outlined.
- The panel reserves the right to shortlist only the most suitable applicants and to apply desirable criteria as needed.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria
- Qualifications and Experience: Hold either NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking, City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2, or equivalent, OR two years’ experience in catering.
- Knowledge of HACCP.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training.
Section 2 – Essential Skills and Abilities
- Effective communication and team engagement skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Organizational and planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure.
- Motivation to provide excellent food and customer service.
- Evidence of aligning with EA’s ethos and values.
Section 3 – Desirable Criteria
No specific desirable criteria listed.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
If appointed to a role involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. The applicant will bear the cost. More info at NI Direct or Department of Justice.
Applicant Guidance
View guidance notes here and learn about benefits here. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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Cook (2 Posts) - North Belfast employer: Education Authority
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (2 Posts) - North Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with HACCP principles, as this knowledge is essential for the role. Being able to discuss how you implement these practices in a kitchen setting will show your commitment to food safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. Since this role requires effective communication and collaboration, demonstrating your ability to work well with others can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and portion control. Being able to provide specific examples of how you've contributed to meal preparation in previous roles will showcase your relevant skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the local community or school events where you can promote your culinary skills. This not only builds your network but also aligns with the job's focus on customer satisfaction and service promotion.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (2 Posts) - North Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food preparation and cooking. Include any qualifications like NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds certifications, as well as your knowledge of HACCP.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your effective communication and teamwork skills. Provide examples of how you've worked under pressure and delivered excellent customer service in previous roles.
Address the Criteria: Carefully read the essential criteria listed in the job description. Clearly demonstrate how you meet each requirement in your application to avoid being overlooked during the shortlisting process.
Express Your Motivation: Convey your passion for cooking and commitment to providing high-quality food service. Mention any relevant training you are willing to undertake to enhance your skills further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've mastered and any special dietary meals you've prepared. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for cooking.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves shared supervision of staff, be ready to talk about your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen environment to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Hygiene Standards
Familiarise yourself with HACCP principles and be ready to discuss how you ensure hygiene and safety in the kitchen. Mention any relevant training you've undertaken and how you apply these standards in your work.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the menu planning process or how the team promotes services to customers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand the expectations better.
