At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and prepare nutritious meals while ensuring food safety and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join a supportive college environment focused on learner needs and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent work-life balance and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through delicious, tailored meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22160 - 22160 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritious meals that meet the dietary, medical, cultural, and specialist needs of learners, including allergens and modified textures.
- Ensure kitchen areas are set up, cleaned, and maintained to meet food hygiene, health, and safety standards, supporting infection control and safe food handling.
- Monitor stock levels, manage inventory, prepare food orders, liaise with suppliers, and maintain accurate records of food safety, cleaning, and temperature checks.
- Supervise, lead, and support kitchen staff, including students on work experience, delegating tasks appropriately and ensuring safe, effective service.
- Support staff induction, training, development, and carry out delegated supervisory responsibilities such as supervisions and performance reviews.
- Ensure all equipment is handled safely, following manufacturer guidelines, COSHH regulations, and reporting faults or hazards promptly.
- Control portion sizes, manage allergens, minimise waste, and operate the catering service efficiently within budget.
- Work collaboratively with college teams (pastoral, residential, therapy) to support learner needs and respond flexibly to service changes.
- Participate in training, meetings, performance reviews, and quality assurance processes, upholding college values and standards.
- Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive environment, adhering to safeguarding, whistleblowing, complaints, and behaviour management procedures, and undertake other reasonable duties as required.
Qualifications
- Experience in catering within residential, educational, or similar settings, including menu planning with budget and nutritional considerations; staff supervision and management experience desirable.
- Strong knowledge of catering practices, food safety requirements, and ability to implement effective systems of work.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with effective leadership, motivation, communication, organisational, and time-management skills.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and additional qualifications; relevant catering qualifications desirable (e.g., food safety, NVQs).
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, proactive, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and commitment to the organisation's values, with a collaborative approach and positive attitude.
- Kind, patient, with a good sense of humour; driving licence desirable.
Working Conditions
- Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 7.00am - 3.00pm
- Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
- Eligibility: UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
Cook - Tamworth Campus in Birmingham employer: FirstGroup plc
Join our Tamworth Campus as a Cook, where you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture dedicated to the wellbeing and development of both staff and learners. We offer competitive benefits including a pension scheme, mental health support, and opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a collaborative environment that values accountability and integrity. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to creating nutritious meals that cater to diverse needs, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Tamworth Campus in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in educational settings. They might know about job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or a dish that highlights your culinary talents and understanding of dietary needs. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to colleges or organisations you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute to their kitchen team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your commitment. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Tamworth Campus in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in catering or kitchen management. We want to see how you've planned and delivered meals that cater to various dietary needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Skills:Mention specific skills that align with the job description, like food safety knowledge or staff supervision. We love candidates who can demonstrate their organisational and leadership abilities, so give us the details!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application personal by tailoring it to our values and the role. Show us how your approach to creating a welcoming environment and commitment to continuous improvement fits with what we do at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of nutritious meal planning and dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to various dietary restrictions and allergens, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've supervised or trained staff in previous roles. Highlight your ability to delegate tasks effectively and support team members, especially in a kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene regulations and safety practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen setting, including handling equipment safely and managing stock levels.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of instances where you've collaborated with others to meet shared goals, and be ready to explain how you can contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.
