At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting delicious meals and managing a dynamic catering service.
- Company: Join Shetland Islands Council, a community-focused organisation dedicated to quality education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working hours, and generous holiday time during school breaks.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through nutritious meals in a beautiful island setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and kitchen management, with a passion for food safety and nutrition.
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 Manager 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.
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 or H
- This post is NOT career graded - your salary 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 32.5 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
- During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.
This post is based at Anderson High School, Lerwick, 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook - Sound Primary School - SIC08799 in Scotland
✨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 Shetland Islands Council 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 - Sound Primary School - SIC08799 in Scotland
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 Shetland Islands Council 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 Shetland Islands Council.
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 Shetland Islands Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shetland Islands Council
✨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 Shetland Islands Council 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.