MOBILE COOK & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful Work

Professional Growth

Collaborative Culture

Job summary

Cardiff Council’s Education Catering Service seeks a Mobile Cook and Development Officer to cover absences, supervise kitchens, ensure food safety compliance, and drive staff development across the council's school catering operations.

The role emphasizes managing complex menus, delivering on-the-job training, and maintaining high service standards in a multi-site environment. Part-time 35 hours per week; DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in preparing and cooking complex menus in a large multi-site catering operation.
• Strong people management skills and experience delivering informal training.
• Commitment to high standards of food safety and nutritional compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food production across school kitchens and cover absences.
• Supervise staff and ensure adherence to food safety policies and council guidelines.
• Deliver on-the-job training and support ongoing staff development.

Skills

Menu planning

Food safety

Staff supervision

Training delivery

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? Do you have the vision and drive to be part of a dynamic team in delivering high-quality school meals? Cardiff Council’s Education Catering Service provides over 28,000 nutritious meals daily across 115 primary, secondary, and special education schools, supporting the educational attainment and well‑being of our children and young people.

At Cardiff Council’s Education Catering Service, we believe that every child deserves access to nutritious, delicious meals that fuel their learning and growth. Our vision is to enhance the educational experience of children and young people across Cardiff by ensuring they receive the best possible mealtime experience.

About the job

As the Mobile Cook and Development Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of school kitchens by covering absences and implementing improvement activities. You will oversee food production, supervise staff, ensure compliance with food safety and nutritional standards, and deliver on‑job training. Your role will be vital in maintaining high standards of service delivery and supporting the development of the catering team.

As a Mobile Cook and Development Officer, you will oversee food production, supervise staff, ensure compliance with food safety and council policies, deliver on‑job training, maintain clerical duties, and contribute to strategic plans and staff development. Your role will be integral to ensuring that high standards of service delivery are maintained and the smooth operation of school kitchens is supported.

We Will Offer You

• Impactful Work: Be part of a service that directly contributes to the educational success and well‑being of children and young people.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for career development and training in a supportive environment.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.

What We Are Looking For From You

We are seeking someone with significant experience in preparing and cooking complex menus in a large multi-site catering operation. Strong people management skills, experience in delivering informal training, and a commitment to high standards of food safety and nutritional compliance are essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work flexibly and independently.

Additional information

For further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Judith Gregory, Education Catering Business Manager, [e-mail] .

This role is part-time at 35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. The advertised salary is based on a full‑time role (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). The actual salary will be lower than the advertised salary because of the part‑time hours and weeks worked.

Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Child Workforce Barred List check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well‑being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.