Head of Kitchen

Zohorecruit; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 49,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited seeks a Head of Kitchen / Chef to run the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen at Stoke High School, Ipswich. You will ensure high-quality meals, food safety, stock control, and catering excellence for staff and pupils in a busy education setting.

The role is a 1-month contract, 37.5 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 07:30–15:00, with Enhanced DBS and Food Safety Certificate required. Right to Work in the UK essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen in education or contract catering.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Ability to manage busy kitchen and staff schedules.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation of the school kitchen.
• Prepare and cook meals in line with menu requirements.
• Supervise kitchen activities and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.
• Monitor stock, inventory and kitchen expenditure.
• Oversee POS systems and complete records accurately.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food hygiene

Staff supervision

Organisational skills

Menu planning

Education

Food Safety Certificate

Enhanced DBS

Right to Work in the UK

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Ipswich, United Kingdom | Posted on 23/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation.  That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

1 month Contract with a Facilities Services Provider

Job Purpose

As a Head of Kitchen / Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen, ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals, maintaining food safety standards, managing stock and inventory, and providing excellent catering services to students and staff.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Manage the daily operation of the school kitchen.
• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with menu requirements.
• Supervise kitchen activities and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and food safety.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation.
• Manage stock levels and undertake inventory management.
• Order food supplies and control kitchen expenditure.
• Operate and oversee point of sale (POS) systems.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Support and assist catering staff where required.
• Ensure all records and documentation are completed accurately.
• Deliver excellent customer service to school staff and students.

Essential Experience Required

• Previous experience working as a Head Chef, Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Catering Supervisor.
• Experience within school catering, education catering, contract catering, or commercial catering environments.
• Experience managing kitchen operations.
• Experience with inventory and stock control.
• Experience operating point of sale (POS) systems.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety standards.
• Experience managing food preparation and service.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a busy kitchen environment.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Food Safety Certificate.
• Enhanced DBS (mandatory).
• Right to Work in the UK.

Additional Information to Note

• Location: Stoke High School, Ipswich, IP2 8PL.
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week.
• Monday to Friday.
• Shift Pattern: 07:30 – 15:00.
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Food Safety Certificate required.