At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for over 145 pupils daily in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join the Kirklees Catering Service, dedicated to quality and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, weekends off, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and development in a rewarding community-focused role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through delicious meals and positive dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and strong supervisory skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27200 - 27600 € per year.
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.
This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and those with differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application form or any other format for the application or Job Description, please contact the Recruitment Team by email or phone (01484 221000) and ask for ‘Recruitment’. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children, and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: 31 May 2026, 11:55 PM
Cook 23.75hrs Birkenshaw Primary school employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Catering Service offers a fulfilling opportunity for a Cook at Birkenshaw Primary School, where you can make a significant impact on children's lives by providing nutritious meals in a supportive and community-focused environment. With a commitment to employee development, you will enjoy training opportunities and a healthy work-life balance, working only during term time with weekends and bank holidays off. Join our dedicated team and contribute to creating positive dining experiences for over 145 pupils daily.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook 23.75hrs Birkenshaw Primary school
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Visit Birkenshaw Primary School if you can, or at least check out their website and social media. Understanding their values and what they offer can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through community groups. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows you’re proactive and keen to fit in.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to cooking and teamwork. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with large meal prep and your ability to maintain high standards in a busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to follow the process we’ve set up.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook 23.75hrs Birkenshaw Primary school
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Talk about your experience in preparing meals for large groups and how you create a positive dining experience. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the food you serve.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you prepared meals for 145+ customers daily. If you've supervised staff or managed kitchen operations, shout about it! We’re looking for someone with hands-on experience, so don’t hold back on those details.
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual vibe, remember that this is a job application. Use a friendly tone but keep it professional. Show us your personality while also demonstrating your understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. It’s all about striking that balance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research common dietary requirements and allergies, as well as any themed events that might be on the horizon. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to providing nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully prepared meals for large groups, maintained high hygiene standards, or supervised staff. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about how you collaborate with others in a kitchen setting. Share examples of how you’ve supported your colleagues during busy periods or contributed to a positive dining experience for customers.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school’s approach to nutrition, how they handle special dietary needs, or what a typical day looks like in the kitchen. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
