Head of Kitchen

Suffolk One Sixth Form College; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider is seeking a Head of Kitchen in Ipswich to lead a dedicated catering team. This role focuses on delivering nutritious meals, ensuring compliance with health regulations, and fostering strong community relationships. The ideal candidate has relevant catering qualifications and experience in managing kitchen teams within educational environments. The position offers a competitive salary of £26,409 - £28,624, alongside various employee benefits including flexible working and development opportunities.

Benefits

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme

Family friendly policies

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Career progression opportunities

Canteen

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Catering.
• Current Food Hygiene Certificate required.
• Proven experience managing kitchen teams in educational settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of high-quality meals.
• Ensure safe and efficient kitchen operations.
• Manage and develop catering team.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team management

Dietary practices knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Minimum NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering

Current Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

This job is with Eastern Education Group, a dynamic education provider. We are seeking an experienced and qualified Head of Kitchen to lead a dedicated catering team in an educational setting dedicated to complex moderate learning difficulties including ASD. The role focuses on nutritious food, dietary needs, safe operation, and compliance with health regulations.

Responsibilities

Lead planning, preparation, and delivery of high-quality meals; ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in line with health regulations; manage and develop the catering team; foster strong relationships across the school community.

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering (or equivalent)
• Current Food Hygiene Certificate
• Proven experience in managing kitchen teams and catering for large numbers in an educational or similar environment
• Good knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and specific dietary practices; positive, flexible approach

Benefits

• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Free parking
• Canteen
• Company events
• Access to various memberships and discount schemes
• Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
• Funded subject course development for your role
• Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
• Career progression opportunities

Additional information

Actual salary, salary ranges and hours: Stone Lodge Academy, Ipswich; 30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year - Permanent. Salary: £26,409 - £28,624 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience). Actual Salary: £18,176 - £19,701 per annum.

Closing Date: 8.00am on Tuesday 7th October. Interviews: To be held shortly thereafter. We reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: [e-mail]. Complete applications should be submitted via our recruitment portal. If you have not heard from HR within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and will undertake all required pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS Disclosure. All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.