At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to prepare and serve nutritious meals for students.
- Company: Pinnacle Group is a top UK provider of housing and community services, prioritising people.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, career development opportunities, and discounts at popular retailers.
- Other info: This is a permanent role, working 22.5 hours per week during term time.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values trust, respect, and excellence in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional catering qualification and experience in a school kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Pinnacle Group is looking for an experinced School Cook in Charge to provide and deliver a high standard of school meals and to meet the mandatory Nutritional Standards. You will be joining our amazing Catering Team at Lower Wortley Primary School LS12
You will need to possess a proven track record within a school kitchen and hold a relevant professional qualification. You will need to work safely in a hygienic environment. Good communication, enthusiasm, and good organisation will be key for this role.
The school operates a term-time only kitchen which caters for approx. 200 people counter style service daily with a variety of dietary requirements. You will be reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering excellence.
If you take pride in your work and have a passion for food preparation, cooking, and food service, we encourage you to apply.
This is a Permanent Role of 22 ½ hrs per week and you will be working term time only Monday to Friday 9am to 1.30pm, with a start date of 1st September 2025
Who we are
Pinnacle Group is a leading UK private sector provider of housing and neighbourhood services, managing and maintaining communities where people live, learn, work and play.
We’re a people-first organisation with a values-driven culture that has remained consistent for thirty years; living through how we treat our employees and our customers.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who, alongside the key criteria below, will sign up to our values of Trust, Respect, Involve, Challenge and Deliver Excellence and will be determined to maintain the confidence of our clients and communities.
Key responsibilities will include:
- To be able to demonstrate a high standard of food preparation, cooking and food service whilst working to a strict timescale
- Experience in food ordering/stock controls, and month-end reporting.
- Develop relationships with the school (Headteacher / School Staff) when working on site
- Attend Cook In Charge meetings as arranged by the Catering Manager and any out-of-hours training , school events and training days are required.
- To have a level-headed approach to working under pressure in a busy catering environment. Making quick decisions when and where necessary to ensure full service is delivered in any eventuality.
Key requirements will include:
- Hold a relevant professional catering qualification with knowledge of Health & Safety regulations , Food Hygiene , Natasha’s Law and C.O.S.H.H. compliance.
- Be able to demonstrate administrative and line management competencies within a similar catering environment
- To have a pleasant demeanour and understanding of current child safeguarding practices.
- Please Note: The appointment of this role will be subject to completion of a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service Check (DBS)
Our offer
The more diverse our workforce, the better we can adapt to and reflect the needs of our customers.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds – particularly from those who represent the communities we serve.
As a colleague, you will become part of an inclusive culture, where you will have the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through learning and development.
We offer a wide range of benefits at Pinnacle Group, depending on your role or business area, these range from additional leave packages to pension plans and discounts at your favourite retailers
#J-18808-LjbffrSchool Cook in Charge in Leeds employer: pinnaclegroup.co.uk
Pinnacle Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a School Cook in Charge at Lower Wortley Primary School, you will enjoy a term-time only schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the well-being of students through high-quality meal preparation. With a commitment to diversity and a values-driven approach, Pinnacle Group ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Charge in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and nutritional standards that schools must adhere to. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former school cooks or catering staff. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even refer you internally, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen environment, especially under pressure. Think of specific examples where you successfully handled busy service times or resolved issues quickly.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for food preparation and cooking during any interactions with the hiring team. Whether it's through your enthusiasm in conversations or by sharing ideas for menu improvements, let your love for the culinary arts shine through.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Charge in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the School Cook in Charge position. Make sure you can demonstrate your experience in food preparation, cooking, and managing a school kitchen.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Ensure your CV clearly lists your relevant professional catering qualifications and any certifications related to Health & Safety regulations, Food Hygiene, and C.O.S.H.H. compliance. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, provide specific examples of your previous work in a school kitchen or similar environment. Highlight your ability to manage food ordering, stock controls, and your experience working under pressure in a busy catering setting.
Express Your Passion:Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for food preparation and service. Mention your commitment to delivering high-quality meals and how you align with Pinnacle Group's values of Trust, Respect, Involve, Challenge, and Deliver Excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at pinnaclegroup.co.uk
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in food preparation and cooking. Highlight specific dishes you've mastered and how you ensure they meet nutritional standards. If possible, bring a portfolio of your work or photos of meals you've created.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety regulations, including Food Hygiene and Natasha's Law. Be ready to explain how you implement these standards in your kitchen practices to ensure a safe environment for students.
✨Emphasise Communication and Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with school staff and the catering team, highlight your communication skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you handle feedback and collaboration.
✨Prepare for Pressure Situations
The role requires working under pressure, especially during busy service times. Think of examples where you've successfully managed stress in a fast-paced environment and be ready to discuss your decision-making process during those times.
