Education Authority Northern Ireland
Cook
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Cook
Cook
Job Title: Cook
Reports To: Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor
Responsible To: Catering Manager (through the appropriate Area Catering Manager)
About the Role
Shared Supervision: Responsible for shared supervision of staff.
Job Purpose The Cook assists the Senior/Unit Catering Supervisor in all activities related to the preparation and cooking of meals. Team collaboration is vital to ensure:
- An efficient, hygienic service,
- High customer satisfaction, and
- Increased sales within the unit.
Responsibilities
Core Cooking Duties
- Execute skilled cooking activities across the full menu range, including:
- Assisting with menu preparation,
- Portion control,
- Providing special dietary meals,
- Managing function catering when applicable.
Supervisory & Administrative Responsibilities
-
Collaborate on:
- Record-keeping,
- Overseeing hygiene, health, and safety, including temperature checks in kitchens,
- Supervision of staff,
-
Assume operational duties, such as controlling service points and transported meals.
-
Manage additional administrative tasks, including:
- Meal planning,
- Stock-taking and organising storage spaces (fridges, stores),
- Handling deliveries and general kitchen management in the Senior Supervisor’s absence,
- Staff training,
- Cash handling, where relevant and authorised.
Kitchen & General Duties
- Perform general kitchen tasks, including:
- Washing up,
- Setting up/de-clearing equipment and tables,
- Cleaning kitchens, dining areas, and equipment.
Service Promotion & Premises Management
-
Support increasing service uptake by promoting the catering service to:
- Parents, principals, and customers.
-
Secure premises when necessary.
-
Execute additional delegated activities related to service provision.
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General Conditions
The role must align with:
- Legal compliance (delegated Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations),
- Codes of Practice.
All tasks must be completed to professional standards under standard working conditions.
Administrative duties must be completed as assigned.
Adaptability: Functional(s) may be performed for collegial-grade or similar roles, provided the employee’s competence permits.
Ensure adherence to the ethos and values of the School.
Commitments & Commitment to Equality
- This job description is intended as a guideline, subject to regular review.
The successful candidate must promote:
- Good relations,
- Equality of opportunity,
- Compliance with equality legislation as outlined in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998).
Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants
This role requires clear demonstration of your skills on the application form, per Section 1 (Essential Criteria) and Section 3 (Desirable Criteria).
- Shortlisting will prioritise candidates who address each criterion.
- The Selection Panel may apply additional desirable filters.
Submit this evidence on or before the application closing date.
Shortlisting Process
Shortlisting will assess written application responses against Essential Criteria, to select the strongest applicants. Shortlisting may further consider desirable criteria in order of priority should applications outnumber capacity.
Section 1: Essential Criteria
Meet one of the following options to qualify:
- Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking or
- City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or
- Relevant equivalent/qualification or
- Experience:
- At least 2 years’ experience in food preparation/cooking within a catering establishment.
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Method of Assessment: Application form
Additional Essential Criteria
Knowledge:
- Proven Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) knowledge required.
Other:
- Demonstrated willingness to undergo required training.
Section 2: Additional Essential Criteria
Must be evidenced in selection interview, aligned with EA’s Game-Changing People Model.
Skills & Abilities
Evidence required showing:
- Strong communication and customer engagement skills within team and service contexts,
- Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills,
- Organizational and time-management skills with ability to work pressure-cooked to deadlines,
- Motivation in delivering high-quality food service and customer experience.
Values Orientation
- Reflect the values of the Education Authority: See EA’s values here.
Section 3: Desirable Criteria
May be factored into shortlisting depending on candidate pool size.
Applications assessed via:
Application form, assessed after Essential Criteria
Disclosure of Criminal Background
Authorised employment with young people or in key positions is regulated activity under: Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.
If appointed:
- Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background Check required.
- Applicant(s) covered cost at pre-employment stage.
Investigate further via: • NI Direct • DJR Den Do-rejoice
Applicant Guidance
Further details are available at:
The Education Authority operates as an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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