Assistant Cook in Reading

Assistant Cook in Reading

Reading Part-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
H

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in preparing and cooking delicious, nutritious meals for school lunch services.
  • Company: Join a family-owned catering company that values respect, honesty, and exceptional performance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent term-time contract, competitive salary, and great training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a difference by creating fresh, seasonal meals that support healthier lifestyles for students.
  • Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation or equivalent, with a passion for fresh food.
  • Other info: Flexible hours perfect for balancing work and family commitments, with career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.

Term Time 25 Hours per week, 09:00hrs-14:00hrs

Harrison Catering Services are an independent, family-owned company, which has achieved consistent growth year after year by keeping the core values upon which it was founded - family, respect, honesty, pride and exceptional performance, together known as the Harrison Five Fundamentals - at the heart of its business.

Our catering teams are skilled in the art of transforming fresh, seasonal ingredients into nutritious home-cooked meals that support healthier lifestyles and enable customers of all ages to perform at their best throughout the day.

We are looking for an Assistant Cook to join one of our school catering teams. The position will be responsible for assisting in the preparation and cooking of food for lunch service. The ideal candidate will have proven craft skills and a real passion for fresh food. Qualified to NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation / Professional Cookery or equivalent, you will be rewarded with a competitive salary.

Harrison is dedicated to providing quality, fresh and seasonal food supported by a carefully selected network of suppliers across the UK who provide responsibly-sourced ingredients - all of which inspires our chefs to create exciting innovative menus.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; all successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application, provide 2 references and have the right to work in the UK.

Our term time contract is a great way to combine work with family commitments. There are opportunities for those who wish to develop their career further within Harrison Catering Services, we have a number of craft and management workshops, should you wish to further develop your skills.

Our benefits include:

  • Permanent term time contract
  • Excellent training and opportunities for career progression
  • High street and online discount scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Pro Rata Statutory Holiday
  • Pension Scheme
  • Life Assurance Scheme

Suitable candidates will receive a response within 5 working days. Visit our website to find out more about what we do and to view our Privacy Notice for Candidates for Employment.

Assistant Cook in Reading employer: Harrison Catering Services

Harrison Catering Services is an excellent employer that prioritises family values, respect, and exceptional performance, making it a rewarding place to work. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a commitment to employee development through training and career progression opportunities, our Assistant Cook role offers a fulfilling work-life balance during term time. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a pension scheme and employee assistance programme, while contributing to the well-being of children through nutritious meals.
H

Contact Detail:

Harrison Catering Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Harrison Catering Services and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach and show how you fit into their family-oriented culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that Assistant Cook role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, rehearse common questions related to cooking and food preparation. Show off your passion for fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals – it’s what they’re all about!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the company, making it easier to prepare for your interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Reading

Food Preparation
Cooking Skills
NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation / Professional Cookery
Passion for Fresh Food
Teamwork
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Knowledge of Nutritional Standards
Adaptability
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fresh Food: When you're writing your application, let us know about your love for fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for cooking and how it aligns with our values at Harrison Catering Services.

Highlight Your Craft Skills: Make sure to mention your NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation or any equivalent qualifications. We want to see your proven craft skills, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary expertise in your written application!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the description to demonstrate that you understand our mission and how you can contribute to our team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role and our company. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Catering Services

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in nutritious meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, as this shows your passion for fresh food.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your craft skills during the interview. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or even a dish you've prepared to share your expertise and creativity in the kitchen.

✨Embrace the Harrison Five Fundamentals

Understand and embody the core values of family, respect, honesty, pride, and exceptional performance. Be prepared to give examples of how you’ve applied these values in your previous roles, especially in a team setting.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career aspirations.

Assistant Cook in Reading
Harrison Catering Services
Location: Reading

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>