Casual Cook - Kilve

Casual Cook - Kilve

Full-Time 14.58 - 14.58 £ / hour (est.) On-site
Somerset County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals for children, ensuring food safety and a welcoming dining experience.
  • Company: Join Somerset Council's dedicated team focused on sustainability and improving lives.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, generous leave, gym discounts, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Great training opportunities and a friendly team atmosphere.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Food Safety Certificate and experience in a commercial kitchen preferred.

The predicted salary is between 14.58 - 14.58 £ per hour.

About the Job

  • Some key information
  • This role plays a key role in promoting sustainability and reducing food waste, aligning with Somerset Council’s environmental values.
  • Casual hours when required, supporting during peak seasons.
  • You will accrue entitlement to paid leave pro-rata to actual hours worked.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of children in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that.

Working as a Cook within our children’s services, you will be responsible for preparing meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs, ensuring food safety standards are met, and contributing to a welcoming and inclusive dining environment.

You will be part of a small, dedicated catering team, supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen from menu planning and stock control to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Your day-to-day work will involve

  • Delivering high quality catering services by ensuring the consistent preparation and delivery of nutritious, appealing meals to meet dietary needs of all centre users.
  • Maintaining food safety standards by adhering to all food hygiene, health and safety regulations.

Keeping accurate records of food safety checks, cleaning logs and stock usage in line with inspection requirements.

  • Managing kitchen operations by overseeing the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning and equipment maintenance.
  • Stock control and ordering with approved suppliers and ensuring proper storage and rotation of stock to minimise waste.
  • Working effectively with other kitchen staff, providing guidance and supervision.
  • Providing a friendly and professional service to all guests.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:

  • Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of food hygiene, safety regulations (including HACCP) and understanding of dietary requirements including allergens, intolerances and special diets.
  • An awareness of nutrition and balanced meal planning for children and young people.
  • Good communication and organisation skills to liaise with staff, suppliers and centre users.
  • Experience of working in a commercial kitchen, preparing meals for large groups, particularly young people or children.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

  • We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
  • Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
  • Staff discounts in gyms.
  • Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
  • Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
  • A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
  • My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Anything else I should know?

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Ack Moore, Service Manager, Outdoor Centres at ack. moore@somerset. gov. uk.

The salary for the role is Grade 13, ranging from £13.47 to £14.58 per hour.

It may close before the stated closing date if a suitable appointment is made.

DBS Information

This post requires a criminal check via the Disclosure procedure.

Casual Cook - Kilve employer: Somerset County Council

Somerset County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and families in Yeovil. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development and flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees are empowered to manage complex caseloads while contributing to meaningful service improvements. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, all within a collaborative and nurturing environment.

Somerset County Council

Contact Details:

Somerset County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Casual Cook - Kilve

✨Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

✨Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

✨Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Somerset County Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to Somerset County Council

Don't be shy about reaching out to Somerset County Council directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Casual Cook - Kilve

Communication Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Somerset County Council and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset County Council

✨Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

✨Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!