Assistant Cook

VN Appointments; Billericay; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

VN Appointments is seeking an Assistant Cook for a school catering team in Essex. This term-time role offers regular daytime hours and the security of a permanent appointment. You'll work alongside the Cook to prepare nutritious meals, support menu planning, and help with kitchen operations.

The role finishes around 3pm and runs 40 weeks per year, with weekends off during term. Applicants with kitchen experience and knowledge of food hygiene are encouraged; prior school catering experience is

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen or catering environment.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to deputise for the Cook when needed.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Supporting menu planning, food preparation and daily kitchen operations.
• Deputising for the Cook when required.
• Assisting with special events, themed menus and catering activities.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and safety standards.
• Supporting stock control, portion management and food cost efficiency.
• Helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food hygiene

Teamwork

Reliability

Job description

Assistant Cook - School Catering | Term-Time Only + 1 Week

Location: Essex

Salary: Circa £21,500 per annum (actual starting salary)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week | 7:00am - 3:00pm

Working Weeks: 40 weeks per year (Term Time + 1 Week)

Tired of Late Finishes? Looking for a Better Work-Life Balance?

Are you passionate about cooking but ready to leave behind the long, unsociable hours of hospitality?

We're recruiting an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join a school catering team in Essex. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy regular daytime hours, the majority of school holidays off and the stability of a permanent position.

Whether you're an experienced Catering Assistant ready to take the next step or a Cook looking for more sociable hours, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Why This Role Stands Out

• 3pm finishes - Enjoy your afternoons and evenings without the late shifts often associated with hospitality.
• Most school holidays off - Work just 40 weeks per year, giving you more time for life outside work.
• Permanent employment - Enjoy the stability of a permanent contract.
• Salary progression - Performance-based increments offer opportunities to increase your earnings.
• Career development - Build your skills, take on additional responsibility and deputise for the Cook when required.
• Rewarding environment - Play an important role in providing quality meals within a school setting.

The Role

Working alongside the Cook, you'll help deliver a high-quality, efficient catering service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Supporting menu planning, food preparation and daily kitchen operations.
• Deputising for the Cook when required.
• Assisting with special events, themed menus and catering activities.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and safety standards.
• Supporting stock control, portion management and food cost efficiency.
• Helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a kitchen, catering or food preparation environment.
• A genuine passion for food and delivering quality meals.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A reliable, proactive and positive approach.
• Confidence taking on additional responsibility when required.

Experience within school catering would be advantageous, but applicants from hospitality, restaurants and other catering environments are equally encouraged to apply.

Ready for a Better Work-Life Balance?

If you're looking for a permanent catering role where you can continue doing what you love while enjoying more sociable working hours and the majority of school holidays off, we'd love to hear from you.