Head of Kitchen (Primary School)

Opus People Solutions Limited; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertas is seeking a Head of Kitchen to lead the catering team at Colneis Junior School, Felixstowe. This role focuses on delivering nutritious meals to pupils with a strong emphasis on food safety and quality.

You will manage daily kitchen operations, supervise staff, and oversee stock and budgets. The position requires leadership, organisation, and the ability to work as part of a team in a school setting.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a school or catering kitchen.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of food safety standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the school kitchen.
• Prepare and serve meals to pupils and staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Order stock and manage budgets effectively.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Team supervision

Job description

Are you passionate about food, teamwork, and delivering exceptional service? Vertas is looking for a dedicated Head of Kitchen to join our Catering team.

About the Role

Based at Colneis Junior School, Felixstowe, IP11 9HH you will be working 32.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday from 07:30am - 14:00pm for 38.6 weeks of the year. You'll play a key role in ensuring the delivery of nutritious meals and compliance with food safety standards.

• Manage the day-to-day running of the school kitchen.
• Prepare and serve meals to pupils and staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Order stock and manage budgets effectively.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of food safety standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What You'll Bring

• Must hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The right to work in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).

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.