Head of Kitchen

Vertas Group; Newark on Trent; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertas Group is recruiting experienced Head of Kitchen professionals to support schools in the Newark area. These temporary ongoing roles require managing a busy kitchen, leading a team, and ensuring high standards of hygiene.

Roles are based at a single designated school location with 30 hours per week (08:00–14:00, Monday to Friday). Applicants must hold a Food Safety Certificate; Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List check (Update Service) is desirable and pre-employment checks will apply.

Qualifications

• Head of Kitchen experience in a busy kitchen and leading a team.
• Food Safety Certificate required.
• Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List check on Update Service desirable.
• Able to work within school dining environment and comply with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Supervise and support catering staff
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and hygiene regulations
• Monitor stock levels and place food orders as required
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Team Management

DBS Check (Enhanced)

Education

Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Head of Kitchen (Temporary) - Multiple Opportunities Available Across the Newark Area

Location: Newark area (one designated school location)
Start Date: 2nd Nov onwards
Duration: Temporary-Ongoing
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00am to 2:00pm (30 hours per week)

We are currently recruiting experienced Head of Kitchen professionals to support schools across the Newark Area.

These temporary ongoing positions offer an immediate start for candidates who currently hold a valid Enhanced DBS with a Children's Barred List check on the Update Service. Please note that this role is based at one designated school location, which will be confirmed during the interview process, and does not involve working across multiple sites.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled catering professional with experience managing a busy kitchen environment and leading a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Supervise and support catering staff
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and hygiene regulations
• Monitor stock levels and place food orders as required
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a Head of Kitchen, Kitchen Manager, or supervisory catering role
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, professional, and committed to high standards
• Food Safety Certificate (required)
• Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List check on the Update Service (desirable)

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Offers of employment are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include:

• * Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• * Children's Barred List check (where applicable)
• * Right to Work checks
• * Satisfactory references
• * Verification of qualifications and professional registrations (where applicable)
• * Occupational Health and medical clearance (where applicable)
• * Assessment of suitability to work with children

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.