Catering services vacancies
Our catering services are expanding- join our team!
This an exciting time to become a member of our catering services as we continue the roll-out of the Universal Primary Free School meals initiative to 51 schools across Bridgend County Borough.
Primary school pupils in Years 1,2 and 3 and full-time nursery pupils have already benefitted from the free school meal offer, and we have a great opportunity for kitchen assistants, assistant cooks, and cooks to join our growing teams as the service is further rolled out to pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6, in line with Welsh Government requirements.
Our staff are key to our services, and we’re pleased that they have been recognised for the outstanding service they provide to children across the county borough, including their 5-star hygiene rated kitchens, and winning nationwide awards.
Why join us?
Bridgend County Borough is a great place to work, and we can offer excellent opportunities for you to progress your career; for example, if you start with us as a kitchen assistant, we can provide you with the necessary training to progress to an assistant cook, and cook.
Our other benefits include:
- competitive rates of pay
- generous staff pension scheme
- various working hours available
- term-time only hours
- supportive working environment
- on-the-job training
Emma Bennett, Catering Operational Manager.
“I started with catering services over 22 years ago as a general kitchen assistant. My children were of school age, and I was employed as a chef, however the hours in the hospitality industry didn’t suit my family.
I decided to work for school meals as a temporary measure until my children were older. I quickly realised that I could progress to an assistant cook or cook, as the service was very keen to develop staff with potential. I became the cook at Heronsbridge school which I enjoyed for several years before I became an area supervisor and then operations manager.
During the years I have been employed I have received lots of training and development but most importantly support and encouragement. Most of the catering management team have developed through the service, all starting their career as general kitchen assistants.”
About the roles
General Kitchen Assistant
£12 per hour
- Duties will include assisting in the preparation, presentation and service of school meals, whilst providing a safe, clean environment to pupils and staff. You will be required to lay out dining tables and chairs and in some schools, operate a touch screen terminal.
Assistant Cook
£12.59 per hour
- Duties will include assisting the Cook with the preparation of school meals and assist in providing training and organisation of staff within the kitchen.
Cook Primary School / Secondary School
£13.69 - £14.17 per hour / £15.17 - £15.70 per hour
- Duties will include managing and co-ordinating day to day activities within a new kitchen, ensuring a quality service is provided to all customers and be responsible for menu planning, portion control, preparation and cooking within the kitchen.
How to apply
If you would like to join an ambitious service and keen to provide the best services possible, are enthusiastic, like working with children, or are looking for a job to fit around your family commitments, we would love for you to apply!
Visit the Council’s Job Portal to view current vacancies and complete your application.
If you are interested in joining and have any questions, we are keen to answer them – please contact Emma Bennett (Catering Service) on 01656 815964.
If you are struggling to complete an application, please contact our Trent Help Desk on 01656 643698.
Employability Bridgend are on hand to support residents of Bridgend County Borough with all aspects of employment and are able to help you to submit your application and support you in finding a role (including providing training, advice and guidance).
Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all council employees.
Applicants should note that a criminal records check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be necessary for the successful applicants.