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 Livingston 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 Livingston
✨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 Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create delicious meals, especially for large groups. We want to see that adventurous spirit in your words!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous experience you have in catering, especially in busy environments. If you've worked with dietary restrictions or large groups before, shout about it! This will show us you're ready for the challenge.
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 why you'd be a great fit for our team.
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 following our process. Plus, you can find all the info you need about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨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 a busy 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. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in terms of managing dietary requirements and allergens.
✨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.
✨Passion for Scotland
Since Hostelling Scotland values an adventurous spirit, express your enthusiasm for the outdoors and how it aligns with the role. Share any personal experiences that connect you to the mission of helping guests explore Scotland.
