At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Plume Academy, a top secondary school in Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, gym membership discounts, and 24/7 support services.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Catering experience is a plus, but training will be provided.
We are seeking to appoint a Cook on a permanent term time only basis to join our busy catering team, to start from September 2026. The successful candidate will be efficient, flexible, and well organised to assist with the production and preparation of food and drinks as well as serve at designated times during the academy day and offers an opportunity to help and support both campuses as directed. Previous catering experience will be desirable; however, full training will be given.
Responsibilities of the Post Holder
The main responsibilities are in accordance with the job description for Cook. Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic and have a high level of commitment, ability to work within a team and manage their own time effectively to ensure that the role is completed in the timeframe set.
Remuneration and Working Time
The hours of work required for the role are 25 hours, 5 days per week, 9:00am - 2.30pm (30 minutes unpaid break), term time only. Annual salary for a Cook will be in accordance with the academy support staff pay scale, which for appointment for a full time post currently involves a salary of Band 2 Point 11 in the range of point 11 - 16 (2025/26 pay awards pending) with an actual starting salary £13,309 per annum. Salaries are reviewed by national negotiation with effect from 1st April each year. Progression through the pay scale is subject to an acceptable annual performance development review process.
We can offer you:
- A highly supportive and friendly working environment
- 24/7 Free Employee Assistance Programme (offering individual support, information and advice including financial, legal and home-life and work-related issues)
- CPD opportunities and Internal Promotion
- Up to 25% Gym Membership
- Free staff car park
- Essex Working Well Wellbeing Service (health and wellbeing support and guidance)
- Access to Workplace Health Champions
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders
Closing Date: noon Tuesday, 1 September 2026, earlier successful applications will be taken through to interview sooner.
Plume Academy remains fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Work at a place where you feel valued and recognised. An environment where imagination and creativity counts. Work with us. Currently the third largest secondary school in Essex as a single academy trust and growing, we are focused on enhancing our future structure and have roles where we are seeking people who can bring fresh perspectives and new variety for the benefits of our students. At Plume Academy you will find the space to develop your talents, the freedom to contribute and the opportunity to grow as part of our welcoming and inclusive family. Employing over 250 staff, from teaching and learning to management and administration, you will find opportunities at every level, across both of our campuses.
Our people share a determination to push boundaries, think differently and achieve more. As an employee, you’ll play a crucial part in assisting with our continual development. In return, we will support, nurture and reward you with benefits from training and development to responsibility recognition.
Plume had a successful Ofsted inspection in November 2023 and was judged a ‘good’ Academy. Ofsted acknowledged the high quality of teaching and excellent relationships in the Academy.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Part-time Cook in Maldon employer: St Teresa's
St Teresa's is an exceptional employer that values the vital role of Family Liaison Officers in fostering strong connections between students, families, and the school community. With a supportive work culture focused on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and make a meaningful impact during term time. Located in the beautiful Tendring area, the position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic and social success of children while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-time Cook in Maldon
✨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 St Teresa's 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 Part-time Cook in Maldon
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 St Teresa's 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 St Teresa's.
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 St Teresa's get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Teresa's
✨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 St Teresa's 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.
