Head of Kitchen

Civic Recruitment Limited; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Head of Kitchen / Chef for a 1 month contract at Stoke High School, Ipswich. You will run the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen, ensuring quality meals, food safety, and efficient service to pupils and staff.

Responsibilities include menu-based cooking, stock control, POS usage, and maintaining hygiene standards in a busy education environment.

Qualifications

• Must have relevant kitchen management experience.
• Experience in school/education catering preferred.
• Strong organisational and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the school kitchen.
• Prepare and cook meals per menu requirements.
• Supervise kitchen staff and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.
• Monitor food quality, portions and presentation.
• Manage stock and inventory control.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Food Safety Certificate

Enhanced DBS

Right to Work in the UK

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 23/09/2026

Job Information

Community & Social

City Ipswich

Province Suffolk

Postal Code IP1

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.