At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating delicious meals and managing a team.
- Company: Join the Shetland Islands Council and make a difference in school catering.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape young minds with nutritious meals while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18450 - 22550 £ per year.
Advertisement Details
The Head Cook is responsible for all activities in a large kitchen and its surrounds connected with the provision of a catering service.
Duties Will Include
- Skilled cooking activities connected with the full range of meals
- Menu planning - incorporating and ensuring that the Nutritional Standards required by the authority are implemented.
- Food preparation and cooking, and the provision of special dietary meals where appropriate, and the provision of meals on wheels if required.
- Operating within pre-set budgets, implementing portion control, purchasing and stock control.
- Operational control of service point including transported meals as appropriate
- The direction and/or line management of other employees (including allocation of duties, work rotas and on the job training as appropriate)
- Ensuring the implementation of the 'Food Safety' policy through the implementation of hygiene standards and health and safety in the kitchen.
- Ensuring that the catering equipment is maintained by reporting faults as they occur.
- Administrative duties including the completion of timesheets, ordering of supplies, purchase orders, 'cook safe' record keeping including temperature monitoring, and the completion of an electronic stock book.
- Absence Management – maintaining absence records, informing the Catering Manger when return to work interviews are required and undertaking them as appropriate.
- To receive and also undertake 'supervision' as part of the staff personal development plan
- Liaise confidently with Head Teachers, Health Professionals, Parents & suppliers on matters relating to the provision of the school meals and implement systems/changes accordingly..
- Assist with the development and implementation of school meal related initiatives.
This vacancy is being advertised as a Career Graded post, which is a career development opportunity. This means that the Council is committed to supporting the successful candidate to obtain the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge to become fully competent in the role. Please see the Career Grade document attached to this advert that outlines the entry level requirements for the job and the expected career progression route. The successful candidate will be supported to become fully competent in the role and progress through the career grade. Where there is a requirement to achieve a qualification, this will be fully funded by the Council.
More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.
Additional Information
- The grade of this post is G/H
- This post is career graded - your salary and career progression will depend on your experience and qualifications
- Rate of pay shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £1.5523 per hour
- Part time Term time post for 35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year plus 6.24 weeks (pro rata) paid holiday to be taken during school holidays
- Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made
- A relocation package does not apply to this post
- We will pay interview expenses from within Shetland
- We are happy to talk flexible working
This post is based at Brae High School, Brae, Shetland
For further details relating to this post, please contact: Marlene Hunter, Catering Supervisor 01595 744128 or email marlene.hunter@shetland.gov.uk
If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.
Information About Shetland
Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you'll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland's impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
Find Out More About
Living and working in Shetland: here
The Shetland Islands Council: here
Head Cook - Brae High School - SIC08997 employer: Living & Working in Shetland
At Overtonlea Care Services, part of Shetland Islands Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and respect, while offering excellent training and development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working policies. Living and working in Shetland not only provides a unique lifestyle surrounded by stunning landscapes but also ensures a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in people's lives.
Contact Details:
Living & Working in Shetland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook - Brae High School - SIC08997
✨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 Living & Working in Shetland 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 Head Cook - Brae High School - SIC08997
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 Living & Working in Shetland 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 Living & Working in Shetland.
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 Living & Working in Shetland get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Living & Working in Shetland
✨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 Living & Working in Shetland 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.
