Assistant Cook
Location: The Link Academy, Dudley, DY2 0PB
Salary: £21,740.25 - £22,083.82 per annum (2026 NJC Pay Award Pending)
Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus training days)
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: TBC
Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
Join Our Catering Team at The Link Academy
Dudley Academies Trust is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join the catering team at The Link Academy.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about food preparation, takes pride in maintaining high standards and enjoys working as part of a busy team serving nutritious meals to young people each day.
You will play an important role in supporting the smooth operation of the school kitchen, helping to prepare and serve high quality meals while ensuring excellent standards of hygiene, food safety and customer service.
About The Link Academy
The Link Academy is located in Netherton, Dudley, and serves approximately 1,000 learners from across the local area and neighbouring communities.
The academy has undergone significant improvement in recent years, achieving strong outcomes for learners and receiving a 'Good' judgement across all areas from Ofsted. As part of Dudley Academies Trust, The Link Academy is committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences and creating an environment where both students and staff can thrive.
Our staff are our greatest asset and we place a strong emphasis on professional development, wellbeing and creating opportunities for colleagues to grow throughout their careers.
The Role
As Assistant Cook, you will support the Catering Manager and wider catering team in delivering a high quality food service to students, staff and visitors.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation and cooking of meals and food items
- Supporting the planning and presentation of attractive and nutritious menus
- Serving food and providing excellent customer service
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Operating kitchen equipment safely and effectively
- Monitoring stock levels and assisting with stock rotation
- Supporting the implementation of food safety procedures
- Helping to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide an efficient catering service
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience of working in a catering, kitchen or food preparation environment
- Has a good understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements
- Is organised, reliable and able to work effectively under pressure
- Has excellent teamwork and communication skills
- Takes pride in delivering high standards of service
- Is committed to supporting a positive school environment
A Food Hygiene qualification would be advantageous although training can be provided for the right candidate.
Why Join Dudley Academies Trust?
At Dudley Academies Trust, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of all our employees.
Benefits include:
- Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, legal advice and financial guidance
- 24-hour private GP service available 365 days a year via telephone and video consultation
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources
- Financial wellbeing and legal support services
- Employee discounts and lifestyle benefits
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
Safeguarding
Dudley Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check together with relevant barred list checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should a suitable field of applicants be received.
To apply for this role please complete the application on the following link
https://candidates.every.education/portal/dudleyacademiestrust/Vacancies/Details?advertKey=9f5efcf4-7de0-43a3-a19f-483f3db68840&propertyGroupKey=bab36ddb-f7f1-463e-b8b7-8935df29dc11
Pay: £21,740.25-£22,083.82 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
