Part time Cook - The Look Out Discovery Centre - (32 hours per week)

Bracknell Forest Council; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is looking for a part-time Cook to join the Woodlarks Cafe team at The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell. You will be responsible for preparing a variety of hot and cold dishes in a fast-paced kitchen while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant team environment dedicated to high-quality customer service. Interested candidates should apply promptly as the advert may close early based on candidate suitability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in commercial cooking environments.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver high-quality hot and cold food and drinks.
• Model professionalism and set standards for other kitchen staff.
• Contribute to menu improvement with ideas and feedback.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and allergen regulations.

Skills

Cooking skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Tools

Oven

Grill

Merrychef

Job description

Overview

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Cook, on a part‑time, permanent basis. The Look Out Discovery Centre is a very popular visitor attraction with a hands‑on science and discovery exhibition, gift shop, coffee shop and play area, set in 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodlands. Help us deliver a great experience to our customers, and you will experience a great place to work.

About you

As our Cook, you will be right at the heart of the kitchen! You will be cooking up a variety of tasty treats – from sausage rolls and pastries to potato wedges, halloumi burgers, cakes and plenty more. It is an important role that keeps everything running smoothly, making sure the team has all the ingredients they need for sandwiches and other menu favourites. You will help keep the kitchen clean, organised and buzzing, using equipment like ovens, Merrychefs, hobs and grills to serve up great food every day.

About the team

The Woodlarks Cafe team play a key role in helping ensure our customers enjoy their day out at The Look Out Discovery Centre. We take pride in offering friendly, high‑quality service while keeping our environment clean, safe and enjoyable for all. Open seven days a week, The Look Out Discovery Centre is dedicated to providing a fun and relaxing experience. As part of our team, you will play an important role in making each visit a memorable one.

Key responsibilities

• Provide hot and cold food and drinks consistently, with a high degree of accuracy, whilst working under pressure.
• Provide a role‑model for the Catering Assistants and the other Cooks, demonstrating the professional standards required of a commercial catering operation, by working at a high tempo, with clear focus and a problem solving, can‑do approach.
• Take pride in the menu offer, contributing ideas to the continual improvement of catering services, working with the Catering Manager and Assistant Manager on the options for improved items and the more efficient delivery of the existing menu.
• Work carefully, to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and best industry practice, including Food Safety regulations, HACCP procedures, allergen regulations (FIR regulations), and COSHH regulations, through monitoring process and procedures.

Interview details

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview; any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Contact

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Mike Carne, Catering Manager: 01344 354077

Eligibility and other information

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case‑by‑case basis.

No agencies please.