Start Date: September
Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm, Monday to Friday
Contract: Term-time only
Closing date: 31st July 2026
Essential Requirements
- Previous catering or food production experience.
- Food Safety qualification (or equivalent relevant catering qualification).
- Ability to prepare and cook meals to a consistently high standard.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and COSHH procedures.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a busy kitchen team.
- Experience of supervising or supporting colleagues is desirable.
About the Role
We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic Production Cook to join our central kitchen team from September.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced catering professional who enjoys preparing high-quality meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and customer service. You will play a key role in producing nutritious meals that meet the School Food Standards for both hot and cook-chill meal orders.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, cook and present meals to company standards.
- Produce hot and cook-chill meals that meet School Food Standards.
- Assist with the preparation of desserts and other menu items.
- Order stock and maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Receive deliveries and accurately check and record food temperatures and orders.
- Portion, pack and load meals in accordance with company procedures.
- Ensure the kitchen is clean, safe and fully compliant with food hygiene regulations.
- Follow all company policies and procedures, including HACCP and COSHH.
- Supervise, support and mentor members of the kitchen team on a day-to-day basis.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues while also being confident working independently when required.
- Occasionally provide cover for school lunchtime services and assist with meal deliveries.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the Kitchen Manager or Deputy Kitchen Manager.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience working in a busy commercial or education catering environment.
- Be organised, reliable and able to prioritise workloads.
- Take pride in producing high-quality food consistently.
- Have excellent knowledge of food hygiene and safe working practices.
- Be committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
- Have a positive attitude and enjoy supporting and developing colleagues.
- Be willing to participate in induction, training, staff meetings and performance reviews.
Why Join Us?
- Term-time only working, providing an excellent work-life balance.
- Monday to Friday working pattern with no evening shifts.
- Opportunity to work within a supportive and friendly team.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- The opportunity to make a positive difference by providing nutritious meals for school children.
If you are passionate about producing quality food, maintaining high standards and working as part of a dedicated catering team, we would love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Weymouth DT3 4FL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Cooking: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
