At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals for over 145 pupils daily in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join the Kirklees Catering Service, a supportive and innovative team dedicated to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, weekends off, and a range of great 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 nutritious meals and positive dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and strong supervisory skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € 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 term-time, weekends, bank holidays, and Christmas off every year.
- Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community; we will reward you with a great range of benefits.
This role is subject to a DBS check. A conviction may not automatically exclude candidates but will be considered during recruitment. We encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application form or a different format, contact the Recruitment Team by email or phone.
Closing date 31 May 2026, 11:55 PM
Primary Cook - Linthwaite Clough JIEY School (20 HRS) employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Catering Service is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment where you can make a real difference in children's lives through nutritious meal preparation. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for training and development, alongside a healthy work-life balance with term-time hours, weekends, and bank holidays off. Join our dedicated team and enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to your community while being rewarded with a comprehensive range of benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Cook - Linthwaite Clough JIEY School (20 HRS)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Linthwaite Clough JIEY School and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role is all about preparing high-quality meals, consider doing a trial run of some dishes you might serve. This way, you can talk confidently about your cooking techniques and experiences during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff! If you can, reach out to people who have worked at the school or in similar roles. They can provide insider tips on what the team values and what it’s like to work there, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Cook - Linthwaite Clough JIEY School (20 HRS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for cooking and working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about providing nutritious meals and creating a positive dining experience!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you prepared meals for large groups, especially in a school or community setting. We’re looking for someone who can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since food hygiene and safety are super important, don’t forget to include your Food Hygiene Certificate or your willingness to get one. We need to know you take these standards seriously!
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 quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to jump into the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research common dietary needs and preferences for children, as well as any food allergies that may come into play. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just a cook, but someone who understands the importance of nutrition and safety.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or led a team in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will demonstrate that you’re a great fit for their supportive team culture.
✨Master the Kitchen Tech
Get comfortable with kitchen management software like Cypad Kitchen Manager before your interview. If you can, practice using similar tools or at least read up on how they function. Showing that you’re tech-savvy and willing to learn will impress your interviewers and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Bring Your Passion to the Table
Express your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children during the interview. Share stories about why you love creating meals and how you’ve made dining experiences enjoyable in the past. Your passion can be contagious, and it’s a key factor in making a positive impression on the hiring team.
