Cook

Aspens Services; St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the United Kingdom is looking for a passionate Cook to create healthy, delicious meals in schools. You will prepare menus, ensure food safety standards, and provide excellent customer service. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of education catering, craft skills with fresh ingredients, and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate. Enjoy a work-life balance with Monday to Friday hours during school term time and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Great work-life balance

Career growth opportunities

Dedicated Learning & Development team

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Self-motivated, with initiative and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menus using excellent craft skills.
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.
• Execute high-quality hospitality requests for events.
• Develop strong relationships with clients and students.
• Provide friendly customer service.

Skills

Knowledge of education catering

Craft skills with fresh ingredients

Excellent customer service

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate

Job description

Summary

About us

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience :

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!)

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!

37.5 hours per week

37 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?

£13.50 - £14 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!

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.