Cook – Edinburgh

Job Description

OPENING – Culinary Specialist

Position: Kitchen Lead

Site: Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL

Terms: Permanent

Weekly Schedule: 32 hours

Compensation: Competitive

Housing: This role does not include on-site accommodation

Become a member of our staff with a passion for adventure, assisting travelers in uncovering the authentic Scottish experience through hostelling. While working with us, you can spend your leisure time trekking, scaling peaks, and immersing yourself in the magnificent local landscapes.

As a charitable non-profit focused on individuals and society, we provide those facing barriers the opportunity to explore Scotland or participate in youth initiatives designed to build essential life and professional skills.

Employment with Hostelling Scotland transcends typical labor. Join our ranks as a representative for Scotland and contribute to a meaningful mission!

You will integrate into a committed and welcoming group at our central Edinburgh facility.

About the Culinary Specialist Role:

Main duties include:

• Preparing daily menus for morning buffets and night-time dining, serving assemblies ranging from 10 to 120 guests with a seating limit of 65, and managing café-style mid-day meals. You must maintain high excellence while meeting financial targets and addressing all allergy and nutritional requirements.

• Gaining proficiency with procurement tools and vendors to keep inventory aligned with guest needs, while overseeing and recording stock movements for the food service branch.

• Maintaining clear dialogue with all staff members to ensure seamless transitions between work periods. Adhere to all organizational guidelines provided through verbal, written, or digital channels.

• Upholding rigorous sanitation and hygiene protocols within the primary kitchen and storage zones, following the facility’s HACCP guidelines and organized washing routines.

• Conducting all culinary tasks in a way that strictly follows Cooksafe regulations and internal Hostelling Scotland protocols.

• Collaborating with management and kitchen staff to take collective ownership of food and drink service, including safety training for colleagues and staying current with the latest food security standards.

• Handling visitor critiques and issues promptly and expertly, working alongside the leadership group to find resolutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior background in large-scale food service, pastry arts, or high-volume contract kitchen settings.

• Deep understanding of food safety, HACCP, and COSHH laws, supported by a formal certification such as an Elementary Food Hygiene award or an SVQ/NVQ in professional cookery.

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while staying composed in high-pressure situations.

• Comprehensive understanding of various culinary traditions and styles.

• Superior organizational and scheduling abilities.

Available Perks:

• Hostelling Scotland affiliation

• Support program for staff

• Retirement plan and paid leave

• On-shift food reductions

• Work attire provided

Further Details:

• Chosen applicants must submit one positive professional reference and undergo a Basic Disclosure check.

• Valid documentation of your legal right to work within the UK is mandatory before commencement.

About Us:

Hostelling Scotland is a charitable organization managing more than 60 properties. Established in 1931, we have hosted millions, encouraging people to venture outdoors and enjoy the environmental advantages of Scotland’s wilderness.

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Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Hostelling Scotland
Location	Musselburgh, United Kingdom (Site: Leith Walk, Edinburgh)
Locality	Leith Walk
Country	United Kingdom
City	Edinburgh
Region	Scotland
Job Type	Part-time / Permanent
Salaries	Competitive
Experience Level	Experienced (Large Group/Contract Catering)
Travel	Not Specified
Language	English
Benefits	Pension, Employee Assistance, Meal Discounts, Uniform, Membership

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Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Proficiency Level
High-Volume Cooking (Up to 120 pax)	Expert
Food Hygiene (HACCP/COSHH)	Expert
Stock Control & Ordering	Advanced
Special Dietary/Allergen Management	Advanced
Pastry & Baking	Intermediate
Team Communication	Advanced

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Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Component	Amount	Notes
Annual Salary	Competitive	Based on 32 hours per week
Bonus	Not Specified	N/A
Total Compensation	Hourly + Benefits	Includes pension and meal discounts
Notes	Permanent Contract	Live-out position

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Job Summary

The Cook at Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel manages daily meal production for up to 120 guests, including breakfast buffets and café lunches. This permanent, 32-hour role involves stock management, strict adherence to Cooksafe/HACCP protocols, and team training. Ideal for experienced chefs passionate about Scottish tourism and charitable community impact.

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FAQs

How many hours per week is this role?

This is a permanent position requiring 32 hours of work per week.

Is housing provided with this job?

No, this is specifically listed as a live-out position; accommodation is not included.

What certifications are required?

Ideally, you should have an Elementary Food Hygiene certificate and an SVQ/NVQ in catering or food production.

What is the maximum number of guests I will cook for?

The role involves catering for groups ranging from 10 up to 120 people at a time.

Are there background checks?

Yes, a successful candidate must provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance.

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Expert Analysis

This position offers a rare blend of high-volume catering and mission-driven work within the non-profit sector. The 32-hour contract provides better work-life balance than typical 40+ hour kitchen roles. It is an excellent fit for a socially conscious chef who values the “Ambassador for Scotland” aspect of hostelling.

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Location & Logistics Guide

Located on Leith Walk, the hostel is in a vibrant, highly accessible area of Edinburgh. It is well-connected by the city’s tram and bus networks, making it ideal for a “live-out” role. The site serves as a major hub for travelers exploring the Scottish Highlands and city landmarks.

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh

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Career Path

A Cook at Hostelling Scotland can progress to a Catering Manager or Hostel Manager position. The experience in large-scale contract catering and HACCP compliance is highly transferable to school catering, hospital hospitality, or commercial hotel management. Long-term opportunities include regional operations roles within the charity’s 60-hostel network.