Purpose
To prepare, cook and serve food as instructed by the Catering Manager in accordance with defined
standards and quality, working within DfE guidelines regarding current health safety and hygiene
legislation and the school’s Health and Safety policy, with the aim of achieving high standards of
customer care and good quality at low cost.
The Catering Manager is the line manager for this post
Principal Responsibilities
• To prepare, cook and serve food to meet the specifications as defined by the school. To include
meeting the meal requirements of the staff and students and any special, emergency and
function catering.
• To assist in supervising Assistant Cook and Catering Assistants, ensuring that the agreed
standards and targets are maintained.
• To meet all statutory requirements for Ofsted and Local Authority Hygiene inspections
• Implement Birchwood Food Safety Management system including HACCP systems
• To promote and participate in an alert and positive approach to Health and Safety in the delivery
of all Birchwood’s catering operation
• Promote effective waste management within the dining room and kitchen.
• To keep abreast of new initiatives, systems and regulations through regular training
Staff Supervision
• Assist the Catering Manager and Assistant Catering Manager in supervising Assistant Cook and
Catering Assistants in order to achieve cost effect catering service at a high quality.
• Assist with appropriate on site basic training when required and to ensure staff are motivated and
developed to their full potential.
• Ensure that all service staff have full knowledge of dishes regarding ingredients, cooking
methods, correct portion sizes and selling prices.
• Supervise and assist with cleaning duties as required by the Catering manager including general
washing up and clearing away.
Administration
• Assist and implement the departmental Food Safety Manual, including HACCP
• Assist operations of the till/smartcard system and handling money accurately.
Job Description for
Head Cook