Cook

Education Authority Northern Ireland; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional educational authority in Northern Ireland seeks a Catering Assistant to support meal preparation and cooking, maintain hygiene, and promote service efficiency. Candidates must have NVQ level 2 in food preparation or equivalent, and knowledge of HACCP is essential. The role is permanent, part-time, from Monday to Friday, offering competitive pay between £14.99 and £15.73 per hour, in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or equivalent or higher relevant qualification required.
• 2 years’ experience in food preparation and cooking in a catering establishment can substitute for education.
• Knowledge of HACCP is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and cooking of meals.
• Supervise other employees in hygienic service.
• Maintain health and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Perform administrative duties related to meal planning and stock-taking.
• Promote service to increase uptake from parents and customers.

Skills

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Knowledge of HACCP

Willingness to undertake training

Education

NVQ level 2 or equivalent

Job description

To assist the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in all activities concerned with the preparation and cooking of meals. Team participation is essential to provide an efficient hygienic service, to achieve customer satisfaction and to promote sales within the unit.A full list of responsibilities, essential and desirable skills can be found on the Education Authority website.

Responsibilities

• To assist with record keeping, control of hygiene, health and safety in the kitchen including recording of temperatures, the direction and/or shared supervision of other employees.
• Skilled cooking activities connected with the full range of meals (for example, assist with the preparation of menus, portion control, the provision of special dietary meals and function catering where appropriate).
• To undertake operational control of service points including transported meals.
• Associated administrative duties as required which may include assistance with: The planning of meals and stock-taking including the organisation of stores and fridges and receipt of deliveries.
• General kitchen duties as required which may include washing up, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables, cleaning of the kitchen, dining room surrounds and equipment.
• Assist in the promotion of the service to parents, principals and customers to increase the uptake.
• Securing of premises as required.
• Duties as delegated in connection with service provision.

Skills and Qualifications

• NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent or higher relevant qualification.
• Or two years’ experience of food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
• Willingness to undertake job related training.
• Ability to communicate and engage effectively with others as part of a team and with customers.

Further Information

Location: Movilla High School.The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer.

Vacancy ID 1742279 Job ref. 25006079 Job Sector Hotel and Catering Area Co Down Location Newtownards Salary £14.9917 - £15.7367 per hour. No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 27.5 Published date 29/10/2025 Closing date 12/11/2025 Worktime Monday - Friday 8.00am - 2.00pm with 30 minute unpaid lunch break

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 06 Nov 2025

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 07 Nov 2025