At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a friendly team in preparing high-quality meals and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland’s top foodservice provider with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Earn £13.87 per hour plus great perks like discounts and employee assistance.
- Other info: Flexible full-time hours with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years in catering, good communication, and a Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
£13.87 per hour & great benefits.
Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We’re an Investors in People accredited and family‑owned group, and our culture is lived out through our four core values – Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.
A look into the role We’re looking for a special candidate who will lead our hard‑working and friendly team, making it all happen – assisting management in the safe and hygienic preparation and production of high‑quality meals sold in our store and maintaining great hygiene standards by keeping the prep and service areas clean. You’ll be supported by a team of brilliant people, and there are fantastic career development and progression opportunities.
As Cook you will:
- Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment.
- Check quality of ingredients and report any concerns to management.
- Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (peeling and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc.).
- Follow recipes and methods in a very strict manner to ensure the highest possible quality and consistency of food production.
- Portion, arrange and garnish food to the required specification.
- Cook food as required using various utensils and kitchen appliances.
- Exercise and enforce constant watch over Health & Safety, Security, Discipline and Due Diligence.
- Carry out food safety control checks in all areas to ensure all standards are being maintained and recorded.
- Prepare and cook all food in line with company procedure and Health and Safety regulations.
- Ensure a high standard of cleanliness in the Kitchen area is maintained at all times.
- Be accountable for the enforcement of all legislative demands/standards of fire, health, hygiene and safety and these conditions are strictly adhered to.
- Receive goods‑in ensuring all legislative requirements, quality specification and shelf life of products is adhered to.
- Ensure effective stock rotation practices are in place to use older products first and reduce wastage.
- Assist management with stock control procedures including stock‑taking & ordering.
- Undertake other duties as required for the role.
- Work closely with and assist other members of the team with other duties of a similar nature or level of responsibility as required.
Skills for Success:
- Good standard of education and very good communication skills, ability to work under pressure and aptitude in multiskilling, great attention to detail.
- At least 2 years’ experience in a catering environment.
- Previous experience of all types of food preparation.
- Knowledge of Food Safety practices and procedures – minimum Level 2 qualification in Food Safety.
- Commercial awareness, and ability to deliver on key performance indicators such as sales, costs and profitability.
- Age 18 years or over (for store legislative requirements).
Applicants should note that based on the response, the company may increase the shortlisting criteria.
Are we right for you? As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.
- Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward: The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day‑to‑day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include attractive pay, employee assistance programme, discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company‑owned stores and many more.
Working Hours: Full‑time position available working 42.5 hours per week within the hours of 6am - 9pm Monday to Sunday with a degree of flexibility required. Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to discuss working hours and shift patterns in further detail at interview.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 6 July 2026. Communication on the progress of your application will be made via email and the career site, therefore please check regularly.
Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to community engagement, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in a dynamic environment that values ambition, teamwork, and integrity. Located in Northern Ireland, this family-owned business not only leads in foodservice but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Henderson Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Henderson Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Henderson Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Henderson Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
