Cook

Grow and Thrive Limited; Kirkby-in-Ashfield; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Work-Life Balance

Career Growth and Development

Apprenticeship and training courses

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking a Cook to join our school catering team in Nottinghamshire. You will bring provided menus to life, delivering healthy, nutritious meals for students and staff while maintaining high standards of quality and service.

You’ll work with fresh ingredients, follow health and safety practices, and build strong relationships with school clients and pupils. DBS disclosure may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience with education catering and using fresh ingredients.
• Strong health and safety practices.
• Ability to motivate others and manage own tasks.

Responsibilities

• Creative Menu Execution: prepare menus with craft skills.
• Safety Champion: ensure food hygiene and allergen standards.
• Hospitality Production: handle requests for clients and events.
• Building Connections: liaise with school clients and students.
• Service with a Smile: provide friendly customer service.

Skills

Education catering knowledge

Fresh ingredients

Health & Safety awareness

Self-motivation

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate

Job description

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

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 a Cook in one of our schools, you will be bringing our menus to life - 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: Executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.


• Building Connections: Developing strong relationships with both our school clients and the students you serve.


• Service with a Smile: Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.

About you:

• Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.


• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!)


• A full UK driving licence


• 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!
  35 hours per week
  39 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
  £16 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.