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 over 5,500 staff.
- Benefits: Earn £13.87/hour plus great perks like discounts and employee assistance.
- Other info: Flexible full-time hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make delicious meals while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years in catering, good communication skills, and a passion for food safety.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
£13.87 per hour & great benefits. Full‑time position available, 42.5 hrs/week, Monday to Sunday, 6am–9pm with flexibility required.
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.
A look into the role We’re looking for a special candidate who will lead our hard‑working and friendly team, 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 (e.g., peel and chop vegetables, cut meat).
- Follow recipes and methods in a 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 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 enforcement of all legislative demands/standards of fire, health, hygiene and safety and ensure conditions are strictly adhered to.
- Receive goods‑in ensuring all legislative requirements, quality specification and shelf life of products are 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 stocktaking & ordering.
- Undertake other duties as required for the role.
- Work closely with and assist other members of the team with duties of a similar nature or level of responsibility.
Skills for Success:
- Good standard of education and very good communication skills, ability to work under pressure, aptitude for multiskilling, and 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, with minimum Level 2 qualification in Food Safety.
- Commercial awareness and ability to deliver on key performance indicators such as sales, costs and profitability.
- Aged 18 years or over.
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, seek new challenges, and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First – We provide exceptional service, put customers at the heart of everything, and support our communities.
- Teamwork – We succeed together, help colleagues to succeed, and share knowledge and skills.
- Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical; we treat everyone with dignity and respect, are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward: 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, 42.5 hrs/week, Monday to Sunday, 6am–9pm with 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 Wednesday 3 June 2026. Communication on the progress of your application will be made via email and the career site; please check regularly.
Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture. As a Cook at Eurospar Downpatrick, you will enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career progression within a friendly team that values ambition, teamwork, and integrity. Located in Northern Ireland, our company prioritises the well-being of its staff, offering discounts and an employee assistance programme to enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Henderson Group. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with them during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try out some common interview questions related to cooking and food safety. Think about your past experiences in catering and how they relate to the role. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the kitchen before. Highlighting your ability to work well with a team can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Henderson Group family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what drives you to create delicious meals. A sprinkle of enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous experience in catering or food preparation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so mention any specific tasks you've handled that relate to the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different ingredients and their uses in cooking. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure quality and freshness in your food preparation, as this will show your commitment to high standards.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and share skills, as this aligns perfectly with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Prepare to talk about how you maintain hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen. Bring up specific practices you follow to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health regulations, as this will demonstrate your reliability and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to explain your cooking methods or how you handle pressure during busy service times. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will help you stand out as a confident candidate.
