Assistant Cook

Aspens Services Ltd.; Old Buckenham; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school food service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Cook to enhance its school meal experience. The role involves assisting in menu preparation, ensuring food hygiene and safety compliance, and providing excellent customer service to students and staff. Ideal candidates will have a background in catering, a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate, and a passion for delivering quality service. Weekly hours are 36.25, with no late nights or weekends, making it an ideal work-life balance.

Benefits

Highly competitive hourly pay

Career growth and development opportunities

Work-life balance with no late nights or weekends

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with fresh ingredients in a catering environment.
• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef in preparing school menus.
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
• Provide high-quality service for clients and special events.
• Develop relationships with clients and students.
• Deliver friendly and polite customer service.

Skills

Knowledge of education catering

Excellent craft skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate

Job description

# Assistant 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 an Assistant 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:** Assisting the Chef in 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!* 36.25 hours per week* Highly Competitive Hourly Pay**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.*### Assistant Cook* **Salary** £20353.10 - £20353.10* Annual* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7619* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 28 February, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** Old Buckenham, Attleborough, United Kingdom* 29 January, 2026