Head of Kitchen

Suffolk One Sixth Form College; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Lowestoft is seeking an experienced Head of Kitchen to lead a dedicated catering team. The role involves overseeing meal planning and delivery while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong catering background with experience in educational settings. The position offers a salary range of £26,409 - £28,624 and various benefits including a pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme

Family friendly policies

Employee Assistance Programme

Free parking

Learning and development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing kitchen teams and catering for large numbers.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and specific dietary practices.
• Positive, flexible approach and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the catering team, planning nutritious meals for students.
• Ensure kitchen operations comply with food safety and health regulations.
• Monitor food quality, dietary requirements, and allergy considerations.

Skills

Leadership

Catering Management

Food Safety Knowledge

Dietary Needs Understanding

Education

NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering

Current Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Head of Kitchen to lead a dedicated catering team in a SEMH educational setting. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for nutritious food and a strong understanding of dietary needs. You will oversee the planning, preparation, and delivery of high-quality meals while ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in line with health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the catering team, plan and deliver nutritious meals for students
• Oversee menu planning, food preparation, portion control, and delivery to classrooms or dining areas
• Ensure kitchen operations comply with food safety, HACCP, and health and safety regulations
• Monitor food quality, dietary requirements, and allergy considerations
• Collaborate with school staff and stakeholders to support student wellbeing and learning outcomes

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering (or equivalent)
• Current Food Hygiene Certificate
• Proven experience managing kitchen teams and catering for large numbers in an educational or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and specific dietary practices
• Positive, flexible approach and ability to build relationships across the school community

Salary, Hours and Location

• Sunrise, Lowestoft
• 30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year - Permanent
• Salary: £26,409 - £28,624 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)

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

About Eastern Education Group

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

We prioritise safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Additional information

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: [e-mail]

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal. If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing Date: 8.00am on Tuesday 7th October

Interviews: to be held shortly thereafter

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed 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.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate 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.