At a Glance
- Tasks: Support food preparation and deliver high-quality meals for students.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a leading contract caterer in independent education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and discounts on brands you love.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through fresh, innovative food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for seasonal, creative food.
The predicted salary is between 14.35 - 14.35 £ per hour.
Location: Rochester Independent College
Contract Type: Term Time Only - 37.8 weeks
Salary: £14.35 per hour
Why Join us?
- Contracted to work 190 days per year
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels
About the role:
We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic cook to join the kitchen team at Rochester Independent College. You’ll support food preparation, help maintain high standards, and play a vital role in the delivery of daily meals and special events. You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school. The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do. A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication, and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
- Support the team with supper services
- Support on occasional weekends according to a rota
- Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service
- Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met
- Contribute to innovative menu planning
- Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service
- Support events and functions alongside school life
- Accountability for following and championing allergen controls
Qualifications Candidate Profile:
- Ideally, you will have experience as a Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and creative presentation
- Strong attention to detail and high food safety standards
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- A flexible and proactive approach to work
Additional Information:
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Cook in Rochester employer: WSH Group
At Holroyd Howe, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer, offering a supportive work culture that values individual contributions and fosters professional growth. As a Cook at Rochester Independent College, you will enjoy benefits such as bespoke training opportunities, enhanced maternity leave, and a wellbeing hub, all while working in a dynamic environment dedicated to providing exceptional food services tailored to the needs of students. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises fresh, seasonal food and innovative service, ensuring every meal is a safe and enjoyable experience for our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Rochester
✨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 WSH Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WSH Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to WSH Group 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 Cook in Rochester
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 WSH Group 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 WSH Group
✨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!
