At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for over 145 pupils daily.
- Company: Join the Kirklees Catering Service, a supportive and innovative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time work, weekends off, and a range of staff benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and development in a community-focused environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and strong supervisory skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About the Role
Kirklees Catering Service is looking for a passionate and experienced Primary Chef to join our dedicated team. You’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to over 145 pupils daily, helping to create a positive dining experience in our busy school kitchens.
This is a hands‑on role where you’ll prepare, cook, and present meals to the highest standards, support themed events, and ensure smooth service delivery in collaboration with your team and supervisor.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve over 100+ main meals and desserts daily.
- Maintain high standards of food presentation and hygiene.
- Assist with kitchen administration and use of Cypad Kitchen Manager software.
- Supervise staff and cover for the Catering Supervisor when required.
- Ensure customer satisfaction through friendly and helpful service.
- Maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen and dining areas.
- Support themed days and promotional events.
- Wear appropriate uniform (provided) and follow all council policies.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience preparing meals for 145+ customers daily.
- Strong administration and supervisory skills.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to attain).
- Understanding of Food Safety and Allergy legislation.
- Willingness to undertake safeguarding training.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced, physically demanding environment.
- Enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory health check.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive and innovative team.
- Make a real difference in children’s daily lives.
- Opportunities for training and development.
- Work in a rewarding and community‑focused environment.
Benefits
Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with only working term‑time and weekends, bank holidays, and Christmas off every year.
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community; to help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.
Primary Cook - Whitechapel Primary School (25 HRS) in Cleckheaton employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and the community. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students, this role as a Pastoral Wellbeing & Policy Coordinator offers a rewarding experience in a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a strong sense of community and the potential for a permanent position after the initial contract.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Cook - Whitechapel Primary School (25 HRS) in Cleckheaton
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Kirklees Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Cook - Whitechapel Primary School (25 HRS) in Cleckheaton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Kirklees Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Kirklees Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Kirklees Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Kirklees Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
