Canteen Cook / Chef

Job Overview

We require a dedicated Canteen Cook / Chef to join our team, preparing high-quality meals while ensuring the caneen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all regulatory and standards. The role requires a strong commitment to food safety, hygiene, and customer service, supporting a culture of excellence and well-being. Flexibility is required to work across Norbrook sites in line with operational requirements, ensuring consistent service standards and compliance across the business.

Main Activities/Tasks

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch, following approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Serve meals, managing any point-of-sale transactions and assisting with portion control.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and canteen, ensuring compliance with HACCP, COSHH, and internal SOPs.
• Monitor fridge, freezer, and storage temperatures, and take corrective action as required; maintain accurate logs for audits.
• Receive deliveries, check items for accuracy, and manage stock rotation and proper storage of all food and drinks.
• Assist in stock inventory management, ordering supplies as needed
• Support private functions and special events as required, preparing and serving meals to agreed standards.
• Provide excellent customer service, responding to inquiries and resolving any concerns promptly.
• Work flexibly across Norbrook sites as required, adhering to site-specific induction, safety, and operational procedures.
• Participate in internal audits, quality checks, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain compliance and efficiency.

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to NVQ level 2 in a relevant catering or hospitality qualification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within a similar role; e.g. a school, college, institutional or workplace canteen
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Proven customer service skills with a positive, proactive approach.
• Ability to follow internal SOPs, HACCP, and COSHH procedures, and maintain accurate records for audit purposes.
• Flexibility to work across Norbrook sites in line with business needs.

Desirable Criteria:

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Flexibility to support additional duties, including private functions and special events.

The following skills and attributes will also be tested at application and interview stages:

• A strong “can do attitude”
• Willing to learn all elements of the daily canteen operation
• Strong communication skills
• Flexibility to the needs of role including occasional private functions - core hours are 07:00 to 15:00,the successful candidate may be required to support occasional events and functions outside these hours

Duration: Full time, permanent

Location: Newry

Additional Information:

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for this role. Norbrook does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Where an applicant's current right to work is time-limited, they must be able to maintain their right to work without employer sponsorship.
• We regret that applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted.

Benefits:

• Free Life Assurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• 32 days annual leave
• Wedding Leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Employee well-being initiatives
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site free parking
• Canteen Facilities
• Employee Perks scheme
• Discounted Car Insurance
• Annual Employee raffle
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Career development opportunities