Cook
Department: Catering Services
Salary: £21,853 per annum (£25,327 full year equivalent)Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2418 | Closing date: Sunday, 14th June 2026
Term Time Contracts
This contract offers full-time hours across 37 weeks of the year, primarily during term time. You will be required to work during the academic terms, with some additional duties outside of term time as needed. This structure provides a balance between a full-time role and flexibility during non-term periods.
The Opportunity
Barnsley College is looking for a passionate and dedicated Cook to join our Catering Services team based at the Honeywell Campus.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive team, delivering high-quality food that fuels learning and enhances the student experience.
In this varied and rewarding role, you will be responsible for planning, preparing and cooking a wide range of high-quality meals for our staff and students. From daily service to supporting hospitality and events, your contribution will play an important part in delivering an excellent catering experience across the College.
You will work closely with the Catering Team Leader and Lead Cook to ensure meals are prepared to a high standard, whilst maintaining strict food safety and hygiene practices. You will also work to set budgets, follow costed recipes and portion controls, and help maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment.
While your main base will be Honeywell, there may be occasions where you are required to work across other College sites.
About You
We are seeking a reliable, enthusiastic and organised individual who takes pride in their work and thrives in a busy kitchen environment. You will enjoy working as part of a team, while also being confident in managing your own responsibilities to deliver high-quality food consistently.
You will bring a positive, proactive approach, with the ability to stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting. A passion for preparing fresh, balanced meals and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene will be essential to your success in this role.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
· Level 2 Food Preparation and Cooking Qualification or equivalent
· Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
· A minimum of a Level 1 qualification in English and Maths or a commitment to work towards achieving within one year
· A minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a cook/chef in a busy kitchen.
· A minimum of 2 years’ experience of planning balanced menus.
· A minimum of 2 years’ experience of managing workloads and meeting deadlines.
Reasons to join us
- We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
- Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!
- We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
- Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
- Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
- 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
- Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
- Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
- Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
- Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
- Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
- Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
- Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
- On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
· Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
· Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
· Employees can enrol on a Barnsley College course of their choice free of charge, supporting both professional and personal development (subject to approval)
The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:
· Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
· A range of flexible working opportunities
· Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
· Short- and Long-Term development commitments
· Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
· Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
· Reward and Recognition
· Having your voice heard at every level
· Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 14th June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
Pay: £25,327.00 per year
Work Location: In person
