At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for 400-450 pupils while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a family-owned catering company that values respect, honesty, and exceptional performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent term-time contract with excellent training and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours to balance work and family commitments, plus great employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through fresh, seasonal, and exciting meals.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation or equivalent, with a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 a Cook Manager to join one of our school catering teams. The position will be responsible for preparing and cooking food for lunch service, catering for 400-450 pupils in the main and satellite site, managing the team, maintaining stock control and planning menus.
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.
Cook Manager in Reading employer: Harrison Catering Services
Harrison Catering Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises family values, respect, and exceptional performance, making it a rewarding place to work. As a Cook Manager, you will enjoy a permanent term-time contract that allows for a healthy work-life balance while being part of a supportive team dedicated to creating nutritious meals for school children. With excellent training opportunities and a commitment to employee growth, Harrison Catering Services fosters a culture of development and innovation, ensuring that your passion for fresh food can thrive.
Contact Details:
Harrison Catering Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager 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 culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to cooking and team management. Show off your passion for fresh food and your craft skills – let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits there!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Food:When writing your application, let us know about your love for fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals. Share any experiences that highlight your craft skills and how you’ve used them to create nutritious dishes.
Highlight Your Management Skills:As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any previous management experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you keep everyone motivated and on track.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values of Harrison Catering Services. Mention how you align with our core values like family, respect, and exceptional performance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can find more info about our company and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Catering Services
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that Harrison Catering Services uses. Be ready to discuss how you can creatively incorporate these into nutritious meals for the pupils. Show your passion for food and how it can positively impact children's health.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or team in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain stock control and plan menus while ensuring everyone works harmoniously together.
✨Emphasise Your Craft Skills
Make sure to mention your qualifications, like your NVQ level 2 in Food Preparation or Professional Cookery. Share specific experiences where your craft skills shone through, whether it was during a busy lunch service or when creating a new menu item.
✨Align with Their Values
Harrison Catering Services prides itself on its core values: family, respect, honesty, pride, and exceptional performance. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. It shows you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too.
