Head of Kitchen - Primary Schools

Civic Recruitment Limited; Keyworth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-weekly Pay

Local Authority environment

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a seasoned Head of Kitchen to lead the culinary team at Willow Brook Primary School in Keyworth. You will oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff, while upholding food safety standards.

The role is a 2-month contract within a Local Authority environment. The ideal candidate has supervisory catering experience, a valid Food Safety Certificate, enhanced DBS, and a proven track record of high-volume meal

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory catering role.
• Valid Food Safety Certificate.
• Enhanced DBS Check.
• Ability to lead and inspire a small catering team.
• Experience in high-volume meal preparation.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Capability to work independently and exercise initiative.
• Commitment to high standards of food quality and customer service.
• Reliable, adaptable, and professional demeanor.
• Experience in a school, educational, or Local Authority catering setting.
• Familiarity with school food standards and nutritional guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute meal plans for students and staff.
• Oversee the daily functions of the school kitchen.
• Lead and mentor the catering team.
• Ensure meals meet high standards of quality and presentation.
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes, and presentation.
• Adhere to food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding protocols.
• Manage inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Oversee food storage and stock rotation.
• Keep accurate records of food safety and kitchen activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Optimize kitchen resources and reduce food waste.
• Enhance the dining experience for students and staff.

Skills

Supervisory catering experience

Lead and inspire a small team

High-volume meal preparation

Food hygiene knowledge

Organizational and time management

Independent work and initiative

Customer service standards

School/Local Authority catering

Education

Catering or professional cookery qualification

Job description

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 26/08/2026

Job Information

Food / Catering / Hospitality

City Keyworth

Province Nottinghamshire

Postal Code NG12

Job Description

Head of Kitchen - Primary School

2 Month Contract | Local Authority

Location: Willow Brook Primary School, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5BB

Contract: 2 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Enhanced DBS Required

Food Safety Certificate Required

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Head of Kitchen to lead the culinary team at Willow Brook Primary School. This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of nutritious and high-quality meals to students and staff, while upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The position is within a Local Authority-managed school, where you will manage the kitchen's daily operations. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with a strong background in catering management and a dedication to providing exceptional school meal services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute meal plans for students and staff.
  
• Oversee the daily functions of the school kitchen.
  
• Lead and mentor the catering team.
  
• Ensure meals meet high standards of quality and presentation.
  
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes, and presentation.
  
• Adhere to food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding protocols.
  
• Manage inventory and order supplies as needed.
  
• Oversee food storage and stock rotation.
  
• Keep accurate records of food safety and kitchen activities.
  
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
  
• Optimize kitchen resources and reduce food waste.
  
• Enhance the dining experience for students and staff.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Experience in a supervisory catering role.
  
• Valid Food Safety Certificate.
  
• Enhanced DBS Check.
  
• Ability to lead and inspire a small catering team.
  
• Experience in high-volume meal preparation.
  
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
  
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  
• Capability to work independently and exercise initiative.
  
• Commitment to high standards of food quality and customer service.
  
• Reliable, adaptable, and professional demeanor.
  
• Experience in a school, educational, or Local Authority catering setting.
  
• Relevant qualifications in catering or professional cookery.
  
• Familiarity with school food standards and nutritional guidelines.
  

What's on Offer?

• 2 Month Contract
  
• Work within a Local Authority School Environment
  
• Location: Willow Brook Primary School, Keyworth
  
• Food Safety Certificate Required
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a dynamic school catering team
  
• Supportive and friendly working atmosphere
  
• A meaningful role contributing to the well-being of students through nutritious meals
  

Ideal for individuals with experience as a Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Catering Supervisor, School Cook, Chef Manager, Catering Manager, Kitchen Supervisor, or Head of Catering.