Cook

Kepak Group; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave

Annual Holiday Purchase Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Death in Service Benefit

Refer a Friend Scheme £500

Free On‑Site Parking

Subsidised On‑Site Canteen

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Vehicle Scheme

Long Service Awards

Discounted Gym Memberships

Training and Development

Mentoring and Leadership Development

Job summary

Kepak Group in Portlethen, Scotland, is recruiting a Cook to support the Head Chef, develop weekly menus, manage kitchen operations and supervise the team. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 6:30am–2:30pm, with a focus on quality and cost control.

You will handle stock, HACCP compliance, health and safety, and customer feedback, while driving on-site schemes like the cycle-to-work and pension plan. Diploma in professional cookery preferred; excellent leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Create and maintain weekly menus within cost controls.
• Understand and maintain kitchen cost management including margins and payroll data.
• Submit weekly financial information per company processes.
• Manage stock and develop SOPs to minimise waste.
• Oversee counter/display prep and adherence to food presentation standards.
• Maintain HACCP and food safety policies and hygiene levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and supervise staff performance.
• Recruit, onboard and develop kitchen personnel.
• Set objectives and monitor KPIs for team performance.
• Work with Health & Safety on risk assessments and compliance.
• Collaborate with maintenance to report equipment faults and repairs.

Skills

Menu planning

Cost management

Stock control

HACCP & food safety

Team leadership

Customer feedback handling

Health & safety compliance

Communication

Multitasking

Mentoring staff

Education

Diploma / BTEC HND in Professional Cookery

Job description

Cook Kepak Group•Portlethen, Scotland, GB

Kepak McIntosh Donald are a globally recognised brand and the largest red meat producer in Scotland; raised on open pastures, sourced from local farmers and hand-selected by our master butchers, we produce beef and lamb products with integrity and unmatched quality assurance.

We are now recruiting for a Cook to join our Kepak Team.

Role Purpose

Assisting the Head Chef in daily kitchen tasks and providing satisfying culinary experience for staff while managing kitchen operations and supervising the kitchen team.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30am-2:30pm.

Requirements

• Create and maintain weekly menus, from recipe development through to execution, meeting quality standards and within cost controls
• Understand and maintain kitchen cost management, including profit and loss and margins
• Submit weekly financial information in line with company processes, including retail sales, stock checks, and time and attendance for payroll purposes
• Manage all stock management, developing relevant SOP’s, monitoring all necessary controls to minimise waste, ensuring relevant targets are met
• Undertake regular customer feedback exercises, respond directly and positively to customer feedback, taking remedial action as required
• Oversee preparation and display of all counter and food displays
• Participate in Health and Safety committee, collaborating on employee health initiatives
• Manage budget and control food and labour costs
• Management of kitchen staff activities, recruit, and manage kitchen staff
• Day-to-day management and leadership of Kitchen team, including Customer Service Assistants
• Set standards, objectives, and targets for each team member
• Monitoring of all aspects of team performance and implement improvement plans
• Maintain positive supplier relationships, supporting local producers and inhouse product
• Working with Health & Safety undertake risk assessments
• Working with Maintenance to report any building or equipment faults, following up on action
• Ensure all HACCP and food safety policies and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure accurate food traceability records are maintained
• Ensure hygiene is maintained at the highest levels and equipment is kept to the required standard
• Any other duties as required by management and within the competency of the post holder

Skills/ Experience

• Diploma / BTEC HND in Professional Cookery or equivalent is essential
• Exceptional interpersonal, organisation, communication, and creativity skills essential
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills essential
• Commitment to good practice and precision with culinary instructions, recipes, and directions to staff
• Communicates well in written and oral form with multi-nationals on all levels
• Ability to multitask and work under own initiative to deliver to deadlines
• Relationship builder with influencing and motivational skills
• A hands‑on team leader and motivator, with the integrity, drive and leadership qualities to inspire confidence and secure high standards of performance and professionalism in a challenging and competitive environment
• Strong team player
• 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
• Annual Holiday Purchase Scheme - Need a little more time off? Purchase additional annual leave.
• Company Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for the future with access to our company pension scheme.
• Death in Service Benefit - Eligible salaried employees are covered by our Death in Service benefit, providing financial support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
• Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to £500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to join Kepak.
• Free On‑Site Parking - Our site has dedicated staff parking, available free of charge for all colleagues.
• Subsidised On‑Site Canteen - Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared hot meals and food options at reduced prices in our on‑site canteen.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money on a new bike and cycling equipment through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme - Access an electric vehicle through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the loyalty, dedication and valuable contributions of our long‑serving colleagues.
• Discounted Gym Memberships - Support your health and wellbeing with access to discounted gym memberships.
• Training and Development - We are committed to helping you grow your career through structured onboarding, regular online and in-person training, and clear opportunities for career progression.
• Mentoring and Leadership Development Programmes - Whether you're looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, our mentoring and leadership development programmes are designed to help you reach your full potential.
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme - Free and confidential emotional, practical and financial support for all Kepak colleagues, including access to counselling, mental health support, legal guidance and a 24/7 confidential helpline.
• Financial Advice & Will Writing - Access free mortgage advice and a complimentary will writing service as part of your employee benefits package.