Casual Cook - Kilve

Somerset Council; England; On-site; GBP 18,556 - 20,085; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave allowance

Staff discounts in gyms

Employee Assistance Program

Pension Scheme

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Cook for their children’s services to prepare nutritious meals while ensuring food safety standards and contributing to an inclusive dining environment. The role offers flexible working hours, a generous leave allowance, and opportunities for training and development. Ideal candidates will have a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate and experience working in a commercial kitchen. Additional employee benefits include gym discounts and a pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food hygiene, safety regulations including HACCP.
• Experience in a commercial kitchen, especially with young people.
• Understanding dietary needs including allergens and special diets.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Maintain food safety standards and keep accurate records.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and manage stock control.

Skills

Food Hygiene Knowledge

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate

Job description

About the Job

Some key information

• This role plays a key role in promoting sustainability and reducing food waste, aligning with Somerset Council’s environmental values.
• Casual hours when required, supporting during peak seasons.
• You will accrue entitlement to paid leave pro-rata to actual hours worked.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of children in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Working as a Cook within our children’s services, you will be responsible for preparing meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs, ensuring food safety standards are met, and contributing to a welcoming and inclusive dining environment. You will be part of a small, dedicated catering team, supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen from menu planning and stock control to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Delivering high quality catering services by ensuring the consistent preparation and delivery of nutritious, appealing meals to meet dietary needs of all centre users.
• Maintaining food safety standards by adhering to all food hygiene, health and safety regulations. Keeping accurate records of food safety checks, cleaning logs and stock usage in line with inspection requirements.
• Managing kitchen operations by overseeing the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning and equipment maintenance.
• Stock control and ordering with approved suppliers and ensuring proper storage and rotation of stock to minimise waste.
• Working effectively with other kitchen staff, providing guidance and supervision.
• Providing a friendly and professional service to all guests.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate or equivalent.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, safety regulations (including HACCP) and understanding of dietary requirements including allergens, intolerances and special diets.
• An awareness of nutrition and balanced meal planning for children and young people.
• Good communication and organisation skills to liaise with staff, suppliers and centre users.
• Experience of working in a commercial kitchen, preparing meals for large groups, particularly young people or children.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Anything else I should know?

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Ack Moore, Service Manager, Outdoor Centres at [e-mail].

The salary for the role is Grade 13, ranging from £13.47 to £14.58 per hour.

It may close before the stated closing date if a suitable appointment is made.

DBS Information

This post requires a criminal check via the Disclosure procedure.