Cook

Aspens Services Ltd.; St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract caterer based in St Albans is looking for a Cook to bring menus to life in schools. You will create nutritious and delicious food while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has experience in education catering, fresh ingredients handling, and must hold a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate. This role offers 37.5 hours a week during term time, with competitive pay at £13.50 - £14 per hour, and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Great work-life balance, Monday to Friday

Career growth opportunities

Training and development programs

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Deep desire to learn and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Prepare provided menus ensuring high culinary standards.
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
• Execute high-quality hospitality requests for events.
• Develop strong relationships with clients and students.
• Provide a friendly and polite customer service experience.

Skills

Knowledge of education catering

Experience with fresh ingredients

Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate

Self-motivated

Great communication skills

Job description

# Cook## Job IntroductionAspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high-street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.**The role:**As a Cook in one of our schools, you will be bringing our menus to life - creating healthy, nutritious and delicious food that’s fun for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the originality and drive to focus on the highest quality food and service, making our school meals the absolute best in the area.**Your responsibilities will include:*** **Creative Menu Execution:**Preparing our provided menus using your excellent craft skills.* **Safety Champion:** Ensuring strict compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.* **Hospitality Production:** Executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.* **Building Connections:** Developing strong relationships with both ourschool clients and the students you serve.* **Service with a Smile:** Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.**About you:**We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience:* Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.* Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!)* You’re a self-motivated person who uses your initiative, has a deep desire to learn and loves motivating others.**Great Work-Life Balance:**You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!* 37.5 hours per week* £13.50 - £14 per hour**Career Growth and Development:*** Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.* Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.*Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.*### Cook* **Salary** £13.50 - £14 per hour* Hourly* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7268* **Contract Type** Full Time* **Closing Date** 07 January, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** St Albans , United Kingdom* 08 December, 2025