At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and outdoor adventures.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while sharing your passion for food with travellers.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for large groups and knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Job Reference: EDICO079
Position: Cook
Locations: Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL
Contract: Permanent
Proposed start date: 3/JUN/2026
Hours per week: 32
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 Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.
About the role of Cook:
- Cooking daily food for breakfast buffet and evening meals, catering for groups from 10 up to 120, dining room capacity up to 65 people, including café style lunch 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.
- Maintain 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.
Who we are:
Hostelling Scotland is a not-for-profit charity with over 60 youth and affiliate hostels. Since 1931, we have welcomed millions of visitors through our doors, helping them to get outside, to explore what Scotland has to offer, discovering the beautiful locations and the natural benefits of the great outdoors.
How to apply:
If you would like to join us, please visit our website to learn about how we process job applicants' information and apply.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Cook in Dunfermline employer: Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant and supportive environment at our Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel. As a not-for-profit charity, we prioritise community and personal development, providing employees with meaningful roles that contribute to the well-being of our guests while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Scotland. With benefits such as membership perks, an Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for professional growth, joining our team means becoming an ambassador for Scotland and making a real difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Dunfermline
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hostelling Scotland. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your cooking skills can contribute to their goal of providing memorable experiences for guests.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be catering for large groups, it’s a good idea to brush up on your ability to prepare meals efficiently. Maybe try cooking for friends or family to simulate the pressure of a busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During the interview, let your passion for food and hospitality shine through. Share stories about your previous experiences and how you’ve handled challenges in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the team you could be joining!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Dunfermline
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you enjoy creating delicious meals for others. We want to see your adventurous spirit in the kitchen!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Cook role at Hostelling Scotland. Highlight your experience with large groups and any relevant qualifications. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 and experience without sifting through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your information and ensures that you’re following our application process correctly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you might be preparing. Research local Scottish cuisine and think about how you can incorporate that into your cooking style. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes or any unique twists you could bring to the menu will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous experience catering for large groups. Share specific examples of how you've managed busy service periods, handled dietary restrictions, or maintained high hygiene standards. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in a kitchen. Prepare to discuss how you ensure smooth handovers between shifts and how you collaborate with team members. Highlight any experiences where you resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics, as this shows you're a team player.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to answer questions about these topics and share how you’ve implemented them in past roles. This will show that you take food safety seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
