At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a friendly team in preparing high-quality meals and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider with a family-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, employee discounts, and great career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible full-time hours with a supportive team and a focus on community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years of catering experience and a Level 2 Food Safety qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 13.37 - 13.37 £ per hour.
Cook - Eurospar Downpatrick £13.37 per hour & great benefits. Full-time positions available working 42.5 hours per week within the hours of 8am - 7pm Monday to Sunday (5 out of 7 days), with a degree of 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. We're an Investors in People accredited, 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, 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 and cutting meat etc as required).
- 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 stocktaking & 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: Joining us as a Cook, the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- Good standard of education and very good communication skills, ability to work under pressure and apt in multiskilling, have the ability to follow instructions and great attention to detail.
- You will have at least 2 years experience in a catering environment.
- Previous experience of all types of food preparation.
- Knowledge of Food Safety practices and procedures - you'll have minimum Level 2 qualification in Food Safety.
- Commercial Awareness, and ability to deliver on Key Performance Indicators such as sales, costs and profitability.
- You must be aged 18 years or over (for store legislative requirements).
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 8am - 7pm Monday to Sunday (5 out of 7 days), 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 Tuesday 21st April 2026. Communication on the progress of your application will be made via email and the career site, therefore please check regularly. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Ambition, Customer Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Cookery, Food Safety, Time Management.
Benefits: Career Progression, Store Discount, Competitive rate of pay.
Cook TLNT1_NI in Downpatrick employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Limavady, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their careers. With a strong focus on teamwork, integrity, and customer service, staff enjoy attractive benefits including competitive pay, discounts, and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us to be part of a family-owned business that values ambition and community support, making every day at work meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook TLNT1_NI in 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 TLNT1_NI in 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!
