At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating delicious, healthy meals for students and staff.
- Company: Aspens Services, a leading contract caterer focused on school food.
- Benefits: £14.50 per hour, Monday to Friday hours, and 25 hours a week.
- Other info: Enjoy great work-life balance with no late nights or weekends!
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in students' dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience with fresh ingredients and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high‑street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.
The role
As a Second Cook in one of our schools, you will be assisting the cook in bringing our menus to life - creating healthy, nutritious and delicious food that’s fun for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the originality and drive to focus on the highest quality food and service, making our school meals the absolute best in the area.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Creative Menu Execution: Preparing our provided menus using your excellent craft skills.
- Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.
- Hospitality Production: Executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.
- Building Connections: Developing strong relationships with both our school clients and the students you serve.
- Service with a Smile: Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.
About you
We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience:
- Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.
- Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!).
- You’re a self‑motivated person who uses your initiative, has a deep desire to learn and loves motivating others.
Why Join the Aspens Family
- Great Work-Life Balance: You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time – that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!
- 25 hours per week, 38 weeks per year – what will you do with all that time off?
- £14.50 per hour
- Career Growth and Development: Join a fast‑growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.
- Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.
Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!
Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Cook
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Grow and Thrive Limited and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Grow and Thrive Limited that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Grow and Thrive Limited.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Grow and Thrive Limited get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grow and Thrive Limited
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Grow and Thrive Limited and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
