Cook

Hostelling Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Edinburgh seeks a Cook to prepare meals for large groups and ensure kitchen hygiene standards are met. The role requires experience in busy catering environments and knowledge of food safety regulations. Offering a supportive team environment, the role involves working with a diverse group and the chance to make a positive impact on guests' experiences. Additionally, perks include meals during shifts and uniform provision.

Benefits

Membership of Hostelling Scotland

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension and holidays

Meal discounts on shift

Uniform provided

Qualifications

• Experience in catering for large groups and busy environments is essential.
• Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH regulations is required.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.

Responsibilities

• Cook daily food for breakfast and evening meals for up to 120 guests.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness following HACCP house rules.
• Oversee food hygiene practices and provide training to team members.

Skills

Catering for large groups

Food hygiene knowledge

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Knowledge of food styles

Education

Elementary Food Hygiene certificate

SVQ / NVQ in catering

Job description

Job Location

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL

Contract

Permanent

Hours per week

Salary: Competitive

Accommodation

This is a live-out position

Overview

Join our team, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you can also enjoy exploring cities, hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities and amazing surroundings in your spare time.

As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldnt have the opportunity, the chance of a well needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes.

Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference!

You will be part of our dedicated and friendly team at our Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.

About the role of Cook

Key Responsibilities

• Cooking daily food for breakfast buffet and evening meals, catering for groups from 10 up to 120, dining room capacity up to 65 people, including café style lunch ensuring high quality whilst achieving budgetary requirements taking into consideration allergens and special dietary advice.
• Familiarise self with ordering systems and suppliers to ensure stock levels are sufficient to deal with demand whilst managing and monitoring stock controls for the catering operation.
• Ensure effective communication with all members of the team; facilitating smooth and thorough handovers between shifts. Comply with Hostelling Scotlands Policies and Procedures whether communicated verbally in writing or by electronic means.
• Maintaining the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the main catering kitchen, back of the house in accordance with the hostels HACCP house rules, and cleaning schedules.
• Ensure that all process are undertaken in a manner that ensures compliance with Cooksafe procedures as well as Hostelling Scotland house rules.
• Working with the Group, Hostel Managers and catering team, share responsibility for all aspects of food and beverage delivery including Food Hygiene, Cooksafe protocol and providing relevant F&B / catering training to team members whilst keeping abreast with and adopting the most updated food safety and food hygiene best practice.
• With the guidance of the Hostel Manager ensure that guest feedback and complaints from all sources are handled and resolved in a timely and professional manner and in conjunction with other members of the management team.

Ideally you will have

• Previous experience of catering for large groups, pastry chef experience, working in busy contract catering environment.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and COSHH regulations and a relevant catering qualification including Elementary Food Hygiene certificate, SVQ / NVQ in catering, food production.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure whilst remaining calm
• Vast knowledge of food styles

We can offer

• Membership of Hostelling Scotland
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension and holidays
• Meal discounts on shift
• Uniform is provided

Additional Information

A successful candidate is required to provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance.

You must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to starting with us.

Who we are

Hostelling Scotland is a not-for-profit charity with over 60 youth and affiliate hostels. Since 1931, we have welcomed millions of visitors through our doors, helping them to get outside, to explore what Scotland got to offer, discovering the beautiful locations and the natural benefits of the great outdoors.

How to apply

If you would like to join us, please visit our website to learn about how we process job applicants information and apply.

Closing Date

16th January 2026

Interview Date

Face to face interviews from the 12th