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- Tasks: Cook delicious meals for guests and manage kitchen operations in a vibrant hostel environment.
- Company: Join Hostelling Scotland, a non-profit charity dedicated to community and adventure.
- Benefits: Enjoy meal discounts, pension, holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while exploring the great outdoors in your free time.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for large groups and knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
Locations: Inverness Youth Hostel, (IV2 3QB)
Contract: Fixed Term, Provisional start date, 02/Mar/2026 until 01/Nov/2026
Hours per week: 37.5 hpw
Salary: £Competitive
Accommodation: This is a Live out position
Join our team, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you can also enjoy exploring cities, hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities and amazing surroundings in your spare time. As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, the chance of a well needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes. Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference! You will be part of our dedicated and friendly team at our Inverness Youth Hostel.
About the role of Cook
Key responsibilities will be:
- Cooking daily food for breakfast buffet and evening meals, catering for groups, ensuring high quality whilst achieving budgetary requirements taking into consideration allergens and special dietary advice.
- Familiarise self with ordering systems and suppliers to ensure stock levels are sufficient to deal with demand whilst managing and monitoring stock controls for the catering operation.
- Ensure effective communication with all members of the team; facilitating smooth and thorough handovers between shifts.
- Comply with Hostelling Scotland’s Policies and Procedures whether communicated verbally in writing or by electronic means.
- Maintaining the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the main catering kitchen, back of the house in accordance with the hostel’s HACCP house rules, and cleaning schedules.
- Ensure that all processes are undertaken in a manner that ensures compliance with Cooksafe procedures as well as Hostelling Scotland house rules.
- Working with the Group, Hostel Managers and catering team, share responsibility for all aspects of food and beverage delivery including Food Hygiene, Cooksafe protocol and providing relevant F&B/catering training to team members whilst keeping abreast with and adopting the most updated food safety and food hygiene best practice.
- With the guidance of the Hostel Manager ensure that guest feedback and complaints from all sources are handled and resolved in a timely and professional manner and in conjunction with other members of the management team.
Ideally you will have:
- Previous experience of catering for large groups, pastry chef experience, working in busy contract catering environment.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and COSHH regulations and a relevant catering qualification including Elementary Food Hygiene certificate, SVQ/NVQ in catering, food production.
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure whilst remaining calm.
- Vast knowledge of food styles.
- Excellent time management skills.
We can offer:
- Membership of Hostelling Scotland
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension and holidays
- Meal discounts on shift
- Uniform is provided
Additional Information:
A successful candidate is required to provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance. You must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to starting with us.
How to apply:
If you would like to join us, please visit our website and apply online and to learn about how we process job applicants information.
Closing Date: 14th February 2026
Interview: TBC
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Cook in Inverness employer: Hostelling Scotland Head Office
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Head Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hostelling Scotland. Understand their values and mission, so you can show how your adventurous spirit aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to cooking and teamwork. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in catering for large groups and managing kitchen operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! During the interview, share your love for cooking and any unique dishes you enjoy preparing. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the culinary experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that adventurous spirit that matches our ethos at Hostelling Scotland.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Cook. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that relate to catering for large groups and food hygiene practices, as these are key for us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This helps us understand your background and why you’d be a great fit for our team at the Inverness Youth Hostel.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about how we handle applications there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland Head Office
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, and COSHH regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards in the kitchen, as this will show your commitment to safety and quality.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you've catered for large groups or managed a busy kitchen. Highlight any pastry chef experience or unique dishes you've created that could impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is key in a kitchen environment. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with team members or handled guest feedback. This will demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure and maintain a positive atmosphere.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific scenarios, like managing dietary restrictions or ensuring stock levels are maintained. Practise your responses to these types of questions to show you're prepared and knowledgeable.
