Assistant Cook

Grow and Thrive Limited; Orpington; On-site; GBP 205,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking an Assistant Cook in a school setting in Orpington to help bring our menus to life with healthy, tasty meals for students and staff.

You will ensure high standards of food quality and safety while delivering friendly, reliable service during term-time hours, Monday to Friday. DBS disclosure may be required to support safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients.
• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (training provided).
• Self-motivated with initiative and ability to motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Creative Menu Execution: Preparing provided menus with craft skills.
• Safety Champion: Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, allergen, and safety standards.
• Hospitality Production: Assisting with high-quality hospitality requests for events.
• Building Connections: Developing relationships with school clients and students.
• Service with a Smile: Providing friendly customer service.

Skills

Food preparation

Health & safety

Customer service

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Orpington

Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high-street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.

The role:

As an Assistant Cook in one of our schools, you will be bringing our menus to life - assisting with creating healthy, nutritious and delicious food that’s fun for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the originality and drive to focus on the highest quality food and service, making our school meals the absolute best in the area.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creative Menu Execution:Preparing our provided menus using your excellent craft skills.
• Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.
• Hospitality Production: Assisting with executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.
• Building Connections: Developing strong relationships with both ourschool clients and the students you serve.
• Service with a Smile: Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.

About you:

We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience:

• Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients.
• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!)
• You’re a self-motivated person who uses your initiative, has a deep desire to learn and loves motivating others.

Why Join the Aspens Family?

Great Work-Life Balance:

• You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!
• 42.5 hours per week
• 38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £12.71 per hour

Career Growth and Development:

• Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.
• Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.