Assistant Cook

Serco Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension up to 6%

Internal courses & apprenticeships

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts

Volunteer days & charitable giving

Job summary

Serco Limited in Coventry City Centre is seeking an Assistant Cook to join our AASC catering team. You’ll help deliver nutritious meals, support safety standards, and work closely with the Head Cook to maintain high quality across all service periods.

This role requires Level 3 Food Safety and Level 2 Allergens qualifications, at least three years in large-scale catering, and a commitment to inclusive, safe service. An Enhanced DBS and BPSS clearance are part of the recruitment process.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety qualification required.
• Level 2 Allergens in Catering qualification required.
• Minimum 3 years in a large-scale catering environment.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and contribute to a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Cook in preparing nutritious menus including special diets.
• Support catering services per Home Office and Serco standards.
• Carry out food quality checks during service.
• Complete records to comply with HACCP, COSHH and policies.
• Maintain food safety, storage and distribution standards on site.
• Assist with stock ordering, waste management and other duties.

Skills

Food Safety Level 3

Allergens Level 2

Catering experience

Team player

Quality standards

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Level 2 Allergens in Catering qualification

Job description

Assistant Cook

Location: Coventry City Centre, CV1
Salary: £28,000 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full time, 40 hours per week, working 12 hour shifts 4 days on 4 days off across Monday- Sunday.

Ready to impact a better future?

Serco manages the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contract (AASC). We focus on assisting individuals through the asylum system, ensuring that vulnerable asylum seekers have access to the support they need along with a high standard of accommodation.

We are seeking an an Assistant Cook in our AASC team, you'll help deliver high-quality catering services that support the wellbeing of service users every day. Working closely with the Head Cook and wider catering team, you'll play an important role in ensuring meals are prepared safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Our work touches lives, and your work has purpose. By helping provide nutritious meals in a supportive and inclusive environment, you'll contribute to a positive impact on communities while helping us create impactful solutions that support people through their journey. You'll be part of a team built on trust, care and pride, with headroom for people to grow and develop their careers.

What you'll do as an Assistant Cook

• Assist the Head Cook in preparing and cooking varied, nutritious menus, including special diets and meals for religious and cultural events.
• Support the delivery of catering services in line with Home Office and Serco catering standards.
• Carry out food quality checks before, during and after meal service.
• Complete all required catering records and documentation to comply with food hygiene regulations, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) requirements, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and company policies.
• Help maintain food safety, security, storage and distribution standards across the site.
• Support stock ordering, food waste management, recycling activities and other catering duties as required.

Does this sound like you?

Essential

• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
• Level 2 Allergens in Catering qualification
• Experience working within a large-scale catering environment, ideally with at least three years in a similar role.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Strong commitment to delivering high standards of service, safety and care.

Desirable:

• Level 3 Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) qualification is desirable

What we offer

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and safeguarding requirements. This role also requires BPSS clearance, which involves identity verification, employment history, and criminal record checks to meet government security standards. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to allow us to provide any support needed for you to succeed in the role.

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