Head of Kitchen - Primary School

Civic Recruitment Limited; Mansfield Woodhouse; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced school kitchen lead to manage day-to-day operations at Peafield Lane Academy, Mansfield. You will oversee meal preparation, portion control, stock management and staff supervision to deliver nutritious meals on time.

The role requires an enhanced DBS, a Food Hygiene certificate (Level 2 or 3), and proven catering experience in education or contract catering. This 1-2 month contract supports the school with safe, compliant dining services.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef, Cook or Head of Kitchen.
• Experience in catering, education, hospitality or contract catering environments.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Food Safety Certificate (Level 2 or 3).
• Experience supervising or leading kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Lead the daily operation of the school kitchen.
• Supervise catering staff and monitor food quality.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate food and temperature records.
• Follow allergen management procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• 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 safeguarding, health and safety and school policies.

Skills

Catering management

Food safety

Stock control

Team supervision

Time management

Communication

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Mansfield Woodhouse, United Kingdom | Posted on 20/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector‑specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

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.li>
• 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

• 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.
• 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