School Chef

Job Description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one dayless a week (or equivalent).4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!Position: School CookLocation: The Wenlock School, Dudley, West MidlandsSalary: £20,109.60 per annumHours:37.5 hours per week, Mon 8:15am-4:30pm, Tue-Fri 8:15am-3:15pmContract:Fixed term ending 21/07/24,Term Time OnlyUK Applicants onlyAbout the RoleThe school kitchen is a very busy and fast paced environment. We are looking for a School Cook to prepare and cook for pupils and our staff team at The Wenlock School whilst being responsible for the day-to-day management of our Catering services. Managingand maintaining a high standard of practice and hygiene in accordance with current quality standards, in all aspects of food preparation, which will contribute to the quality of care of each pupil. The successful candidate will also be responsible for designingmenus and ensuring food allergies/intolerances are considered.General Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the quality of catering provided, working within the financial and operational standards required and maintaining a high level of service to The Wenlock School;
• Responsible for food procurement, supplier relationships, stock control and monitor standards to ensure provision costs are in line with budgetary requirements. Ensure that competitive rates are maintained for the provision of services and products andundertake regular benchmarking to ensure value for money objectives are achieved;
• To cook in the kitchen providing a resourceful hands-on approach and manage the day-to-day administration of the Catering Department;
• To be responsible for Health & Safety in relation to staff and catering areas and ensure all requirements of food hygiene, HACPP and COSHH legislations are operated within the department. Undertake risk assessments for the department as needed and promotecompliance at all times;
• Plan menus to provided meals in accordance to pupil’s dietary needs i.e. dairy free, nut free, gluten free etc.
• Advise on and produce information with regard to developments within the catering industry and to keep abreast of new regulations that are associated with the food industry.

Staff Management

• To supervise all staff that may be employed in the development of the Catering Department (and to be involved with staff development, training, motivation and disciple within the department, the planning, allocation and evaluation of work carried out byindividuals and provide feedback and recognition to staff on their performance);
• You and the kitchen staff to attend training courses as required by The Wenlock School.

Further Responsibilities

• Maintain an appropriate awareness of and work effectively within the policies and procedures of The Wenlock School, participating in appropriate processes, e.g. Appraisal, Continuing Professional Development etc.;
• To be aware of and work within the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all related legislation and best practice;
• To undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required commensurable within the role.

Who are we looking forYou will have experience and a basic knowledge of food hygiene and food preparation skills. Additionally, you will have the ability to work in a pressured environment as well as an understanding of the importance of Pupil Protection and Safeguarding issueswhen working in a school setting.The ability to contribute to the development of our school is essential and we believe that energy, passion and a commitment to high standards are key characteristics required. This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their skills andexperience in a challenging, motivating and highly rewarding environment. Previous experience of working in a food environment is essential, excellent support skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are also just as important.Why join Acorn Education & CareBenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS, which must be registered on the update service.*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.#1