At a Glance
- Tasks: Support food prep and cooking in a lively school kitchen.
- Company: Join a vibrant school catering team in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and training provided.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly team atmosphere with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' dining experiences while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering is a plus; training on food hygiene provided.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Assistant Cook to support the day to day running of a secondary school kitchen in Oxford. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys food preparation, working as part of a small team, and contributing to a positive dining experience for pupils and staff. This position works closely with the Kitchen Manager and provides general support to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
Hours & Pay
- £26,000 to £28,000 - Per Annum
- 37.5 hours per week, plus a 15 minute unpaid break
- 39 working weeks per year (term time plus INSET days)
- Monday to Friday
Typical working hours
- Monday: 06:45 - 14:30
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 14:30
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 14:00
- Thursday: 06:45 - 14:30
- Friday: 07:00 - 14:30
About the Role
This role is based within a school catering environment, supporting the preparation and service of freshly made meals. The successful candidate will play an important part in maintaining smooth daily kitchen operations within a term time setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting with food preparation and cooking
- Supporting the Kitchen Manager with daily kitchen activities
- Helping to maintain an organised, clean, and safe kitchen environment
- Assisting with setting up and clearing the dining area
- Cleaning kitchen equipment, surfaces, and dining areas after service
- Washing dishes, utensils, and containers
- Supporting stock checks and deliveries when required
- Following food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen procedures
- Carrying out general catering duties in line with kitchen guidelines
- Participating in required training and routine administrative tasks
About You
- Previous experience in a catering or food preparation role is desirable
- Basic awareness of food hygiene and health & safety (training provided)
- Comfortable working as part of a team and supporting colleagues
- Friendly, calm approach when working in a school environment
- Willingness to adapt to different tasks as needed
- Awareness of common food allergens
- GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent) preferred
An enhanced DBS check is required (cost covered).
Catering Supervisor/ Cook in Oxford employer: Job Search Place Limited
Join our dedicated team in a vibrant school environment in Oxford, where your passion for food and teamwork will contribute to creating a positive dining experience for students and staff alike. We offer competitive pay, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth within the education sector, all while enjoying the benefits of term-time hours that allow for a balanced work-life schedule. With a focus on training and development, you will be part of a community that values your contributions and fosters a friendly atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Supervisor/ Cook in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! If you can, visit the school or similar settings to understand the vibe. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the Kitchen Manager values most in a team member.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to food hygiene and teamwork. We all know that being calm and friendly is key in a school setting, so think of examples where you've demonstrated these traits.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Supervisor/ Cook in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and working in a kitchen. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for food preparation and how it contributes to a positive dining experience.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since this role is all about working as part of a small team, make sure to mention any previous experiences where you've collaborated with others. We want to see how you can support your colleagues and contribute to a smooth kitchen operation.
Be Clear About Your Experience:If you've got any previous catering or food prep experience, shout about it! Even if it's just a little, we want to know what you've done before and how it relates to the role. Don't forget to mention any relevant training or certifications too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your food hygiene and health & safety knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you ensure a clean and safe kitchen environment, as this is crucial in a school setting.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in previous roles, as collaboration is key in a small kitchen environment.
✨Be Enthusiastic About Food Preparation
Express your passion for cooking and food preparation. Talk about your favourite dishes to make and why you enjoy contributing to a positive dining experience for others.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with food preparation and catering duties. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve handled tasks like stock checks or cleaning, and be ready to share those stories.
