At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Head Chef in creating delicious meals and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Kepak, Scotland's largest red meat producer with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, subsidised meals, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and career progression await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and develop your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Professional Cookery and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
Kepak McIntosh Donald are a globally recognised brand and the largest red meat producer in Scotland; raised on open pastures, sourced from local farmers and hand-selected by our master butchers, we produce beef and lamb products with integrity and unmatched quality assurance.
We are now recruiting for a Cook to join our Kepak Team.
Role Purpose
Assisting the Head Chef in daily kitchen tasks and providing a satisfying culinary experience for staff while managing kitchen operations and supervising the kitchen team.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30am-2:30pm.
Requirements
- Create and maintain weekly menus, from recipe development through to execution, meeting quality standards and within cost controls.
- Understand and maintain kitchen cost management, including profit and loss and margins.
- Submit weekly financial information in line with company processes, including retail sales, stock checks, and time and attendance for payroll purposes.
- Manage all stock management, developing relevant SOPs, monitoring all necessary controls to minimise waste, ensuring relevant targets are met.
- Undertake regular customer feedback exercises, respond directly and positively to customer feedback, taking remedial action as required.
- Oversee preparation and display of all counter and food displays.
- Participate in Health and Safety committee, collaborating on employee health initiatives.
- Manage budget and control food and labour costs.
- Management of kitchen staff activities, recruit, and manage kitchen staff.
- Day-to-day management and leadership of Kitchen team, including Customer Service Assistants.
- Set standards, objectives, and targets for each team member.
- Monitoring of all aspects of team performance and implement improvement plans.
- Maintain positive supplier relationships, supporting local producers and in-house product.
- Working with Health & Safety undertake risk assessments.
- Working with Maintenance to report any building or equipment faults, following up on action.
- Ensure all HACCP and food safety policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Ensure accurate food traceability records are maintained.
- Ensure hygiene is maintained at the highest levels and equipment is kept to the required standard.
- Any other duties as required by management and within the competency of the post holder.
Skills/Experience
- Diploma / BTEC HND in Professional Cookery or equivalent is essential.
- Food Hygiene Level 3 desirable.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organisation, communication, and creativity skills essential.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills essential.
- Commitment to good practice and precision with culinary instructions, recipes, and directions to staff.
- Communicates well in written and oral form with multi-nationals on all levels.
- Ability to multitask and work under own initiative to deliver to deadlines.
- Relationship builder with influencing and motivational skills.
- A hands-on team leader and motivator, with the integrity, drive and leadership qualities to inspire confidence and secure high standards of performance and professionalism in a challenging and competitive environment.
- Good IT skills.
- Strong team player.
Benefits
- 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
- Annual Holiday Purchase Scheme - Need a little more time off? Purchase additional annual leave.
- Company Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for the future with access to our company pension scheme.
- Death in Service Benefit - Eligible salaried employees are covered by our Death in Service benefit, providing financial support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to £500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to join Kepak.
- Free On-Site Parking - Our site has dedicated staff parking, available free of charge for all colleagues.
- Subsidised On-Site Canteen - Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared hot meals and food options at reduced prices in our on-site canteen.
- Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money on a new bike and cycling equipment through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme - Access an electric vehicle through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the loyalty, dedication and valuable contributions of our long-serving colleagues.
- Discounted Gym Memberships - Support your health and wellbeing with access to discounted gym memberships.
- Training and Development - We are committed to helping you grow your career through structured onboarding, regular online and in-person training, and clear opportunities for career progression.
- Mentoring and Leadership Development Programmes - Whether you're looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, our mentoring and leadership development programmes are designed to help you reach your full potential.
- GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme - Free and confidential emotional, practical and financial support for all Kepak colleagues, including access to counselling, mental health support, legal guidance and a 24/7 confidential helpline.
- Financial Advice & Will Writing - Access free mortgage advice and a complimentary will writing service as part of your employee benefits package.
Cook in Portlethen employer: Kepak Group
Kepak Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on operational excellence, this role offers the opportunity to shape training strategies that directly impact performance across the UK and Ireland, while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and access to continuous professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Portlethen
✨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 Kepak Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kepak Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kepak 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 in Portlethen
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 Kepak 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 Kepak 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!
