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- Tasks: Prepare delicious, nutritious meals for up to 40 people and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a unique organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating exciting menus and catering for special events.
- Qualifications: Advanced catering qualification and basic food hygiene certificate required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 23600 £ per year.
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
We are looking for a Cook. This is a full time role based at Shearwater in Southsea.
Your new role:
- As Cook you will be preparing food on a daily basis, with the help of a kitchen assistant/s, producing nutritionally based meals, including dietary requirements, for up to 40 people.
- You will be required to plan and produce a varied and exciting menu whilst managing a set budget as well as being responsible for the overall Health and Safety in the kitchen including induction of any new staff.
- You will also support the activity team to cater for special activities/events within Shearwater.
- Following the stock ordering process, you will liaise with various suppliers and check with the delivery of supplies whilst arranging appropriate storage.
- You will work with the wider Shearwater team to ensure all kitchen records are kept up to date, ensuring policies and procedures are being followed, whilst overseeing the kitchen cleaning schedule and ensure all kitchen staff are following national guidance provided including COSHH.
Who is the person:
- With proven cookery skills, you will need an advanced qualification in catering, for example, City and Guilds 701/702 and a basic food hygiene certificate (or be working towards a suitable qualification).
- You will have experience of ordering stock and the ability to keep within a set budget whilst still providing quality and varied food with minimal waste.
- You will be required to have a good knowledge of food and nutrition requirements, including a good range of special dietary requirements, and a knowledge and understanding of food safety including IDDSI and food intolerances or allergies. (IDDSI training will be provided).
- With good interpersonal and communication skills you will be flexible to enable you to adapt to changing workloads and requirements of the unit with the ability to organise and lead kitchen staff.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
Our recruitment process:
- Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page.
- Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. This role works on a rota basis details of which to be discussed at interview and confirmed on appointment.
- You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
- This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.
- If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
Please note this interview process will be two phases. If you are successful to pass the initial interview you will be invited back to demonstrate your cooking skills by cooking one cake and one pot savoury dish that requires the use of herbs and spices. All items will be provided on the day and taste tested by our residents.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Cook - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Portsmouth City Council values respect, integrity, and collaboration. When you’re preparing for your interview, think about how your own values align with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills before the interview! You’ll need to whip up a cake and a savoury dish, so get familiar with those recipes. Show off your creativity and ability to follow dietary requirements – it’s all about impressing the residents!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your cookery skills and budget management. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully managed a kitchen or catered for special dietary needs. This will help you demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can find all the details about the role and the recruitment process there, making it easier for you to prepare.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job profile thoroughly. It’s crucial to understand what they’re looking for, especially the 'Who is the Person' section, so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Detailed Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your qualifications and experiences align with the role. Be specific and provide examples that showcase your cookery skills and ability to manage a kitchen effectively.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Food Safety: Since food safety is a big deal in this role, make sure to mention any relevant certifications or training you have. Talk about your understanding of dietary requirements and how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both you and us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food and nutrition requirements. Be ready to discuss how you cater to special dietary needs and how you manage a budget while still providing quality meals. This shows that you understand the role and can handle the responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Since there's a practical cooking test involved, practice making a cake and a savoury dish using herbs and spices. Think about how you can make these dishes stand out. During the interview, share your thought process behind your choices and how they align with the council's values.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good interpersonal skills are key for this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members or managed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you adapted to changing workloads or requirements, as flexibility is crucial.
✨Understand the Values
Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you embody these values in your work, especially in a kitchen environment.
