Head of Kitchen

Suffolk One Sixth Form College; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Lowestoft is seeking a Head of Kitchen to lead a catering team in a SEMH setting. The role involves overseeing meal preparation and ensuring operational safety. Candidates should have qualifications in Catering, Food Hygiene Certification, and experience in educational settings. Join a supportive environment with benefits including pension schemes and wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme

Family friendly policies

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing initiatives

Free parking

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering.
• Current Food Hygiene Certificate is required.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, preparation, and delivery of meals.
• Ensure kitchen operates safely and efficiently in line with regulations.
• Foster strong relationships across the school community.

Skills

Food safety

Team management

Catering knowledge

Dietary needs understanding

Education

NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering

Tools

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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Job Description

• Sunrise, Lowestoft
• 30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year - Permanent
• Salary: £ 27,255 - £ 29,541 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Actual Salary: £18,766 - £20,340 per annum

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.

The successful candidate will hold a minimum of NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering (or equivalent), along with a current Food Hygiene Certificate. Proven experience in managing kitchen teams and catering for large numbers in an educational or similar environment is essential. A sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP and specific dietary practices is key and a positive, flexible approach will help foster strong relationships across the school community.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• 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

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.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Contact & Application

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 Information

Closing Date: 8.00am on Monday 1st December

Interviews: To be held throughout recruitment period

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of 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.