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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to serve delicious meals to 750 children and adults daily.
- Company: Join South Tyneside Council, dedicated to community welfare and excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits, and potential for permanent position.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through your culinary skills and creativity.
- Qualifications: Must have cooking experience, leadership skills, and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 28598 £ per year.
£28,598 pa pro rata 35 hours per week (extra hours may be allocated according to meal numbers). Fixed Term contract in the first instance with the view to becoming Permanent for the right candidate.
We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic Cook to lead and motivate a kitchen team to deliver first‑class catering to around 750 children and adults per day. Applicants must have superb craft and training skills, excellent communication and leadership ability, and experience of developing catering services through innovation and creativity.
We offer an excellent benefits package. South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
Closing date: Noon, 14 May 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 1 June 2026.
School Chef employer: South Tyneside Council
Contact Detail:
South Tyneside Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the school’s catering services and understand what they’re all about. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local community groups. They can provide insider info about the kitchen culture and what it takes to succeed there.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few innovative meal ideas that could work for the school’s menu. Presenting these during your interview can really set you apart and demonstrate your passion for catering.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly, and it shows you’re serious about the role. Plus, you’ll get updates on your application status right away!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about delivering first-class catering!
Highlight Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your craft and training skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead a kitchen team, so don’t hold back on mentioning your leadership experience!
Be Creative: Since we value innovation, share any creative ideas you have for developing catering services. This is your chance to impress us with your culinary creativity and problem-solving skills!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Tyneside Council
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing. Research current trends in school catering and think about how you can bring innovation to the menu. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to providing first-class catering.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff or resolved conflicts in the past. Highlighting your leadership ability will demonstrate that you're not just a great cook, but also a capable team leader.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you value collaboration and teamwork.
✨Passion for Child Welfare
Since this role involves catering for children, express your commitment to their welfare. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have for creating healthy, appealing meals that cater to various dietary needs. This will resonate well with the council's commitment to safeguarding.