Head Of Kitchen - Primary School

Civic Recruitment Limited; Mansfield; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Chef/Cook to lead and manage the daily operation of the school kitchen at Peafield Lane Academy, Mansfield. You will prepare meals for pupils and staff, supervise catering staff, and ensure compliance with food safety and allergen management.

The role requires strong organisation, the ability to lead a small team, and an up-to-date Enhanced DBS. Hours are 30 per week under a 1-2 month contract, with duties including stock control, meal timing,

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef, Cook or Head of Kitchen.
• Experience in catering, education, hospitality or contract catering environments.
• Enhanced DBS clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Lead the daily operation of the school kitchen.
• Supervise and coordinate catering staff.
• Ensure meals meet standards and timescales.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Monitor quality, portions and presentation.
• Manage stock levels and place orders.
• Receive, check and store deliveries.
• Rotate stock and minimise waste.
• Maintain food and temperature records.
• Allergen management adherence.
• Keep kitchen clean, safe and organised.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Carry out cleaning duties and school event support.
• Report maintenance issues promptly.
• Follow safeguarding and health & safety policies.

Skills

Chef/Cook/Head of Kitchen

Catering environments

Stock control

Allergen management

Food hygiene knowledge

Leadership/supervision

Organisation/time management

Independent operation

Communication/ teamwork

Enhanced DBS clearance

Education

Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Job Description

1 - 2 Month Contract With A Local Authority

THIS ROLE REQUIRES AN UP TO DATE ENHANCED DBS, YOU WILL NOT BE PROCESSED FURTHER WITHOUT ONE

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen, ensuring the delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff in a safe, efficient and compliant environment.

The postholder will be responsible for food preparation, menu delivery, stock control, kitchen supervision and compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations. The role requires strong catering experience, organisational skills and the ability to lead a small catering team while maintaining high standards of food quality and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
  
• Lead the daily operation of the school kitchen.
  
• Supervise, support and coordinate catering staff.
  
• Ensure meals are prepared and served to agreed standards and timescales.
  
• Maintain compliance with food safety, health and hygiene regulations.
  
• Monitor food quality, portion control and presentation.
  
• Manage stock levels and place food orders when required.
  
• Receive, check and store deliveries appropriately.
  
• Ensure effective stock rotation and minimise food waste.
  
• Maintain accurate food and temperature records.
  
• Ensure allergen management procedures are followed.
  
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
  
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
  
• Carry out cleaning duties and ensure kitchen hygiene standards are maintained.
  
• Support school events and catering requirements where required.
  
• Report maintenance issues and equipment faults promptly.
  
• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety and school policies.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience as a Chef, Cook or Head of Kitchen.
  
• Experience working within catering, education, hospitality or contract catering environments.
  
• Food Safety Certificate.
  
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and food safety regulations.
  
• Experience supervising or leading kitchen staff.
  
• Experience with stock control and food ordering.
  
• Good organisational and time management skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage kitchen operations.
  
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a school catering environment.
  
• Level 2 or Level 3 Food Hygiene Qualification.
  
• Knowledge of allergen management requirements.
  
• Experience producing large volumes of meals.
  
• Health and Safety training.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Peafield Lane Academy, Mansfield, NG19 9PB
  
• Hours Per Week: 30 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments