Nursery Cook

Adore Recruitment; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant nursery in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Kitchen Manager who loves cooking and making kids smile. You'll prepare healthy meals and snacks for children aged 0–5, handle hygiene in a fun environment, and keep everything organized. We value creativity, reliability, and a proactive approach to creating magical mealtimes. Join us in shaping happy, healthy little humans through nutritious and delightful dishes!

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen or catering environments, preferably with children.
• Loves cooking meals that bring joy to kids.
• Reliable and proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy meals and snacks for children aged 0–5.
• Plan weekly shopping lists and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Ensure allergy-friendly meals are prepared safely.

Skills

Cooking

Organizational skills

Independence

Job description

We’re Looking for a Kitchen Superstar!

Kitchen Manager (Nursery Setting)

Where Food Meets Fun!

Do you love cooking wholesome food? Do you enjoy bringing smiles to little faces? Our client, a friendly, vibrant nursery, is searching for a Kitchen Manager who can whip up delicious meals, keep the kitchen sparkling, and sprinkle a little magic into every day!

This is the perfect role for someone who enjoys variety, creativity and a whole lot of happy chaos (the cute kind!).

What You’ll Be Cooking Up:

• Daily Deliciousness
• Prepare fresh, tasty, homemade meals and snacks for children aged 0–5.
• Create exciting seasonal menus (think bright summer salads and cosy winter warmers!).
• Serve meals to each room—yes, you’ll be the daily hero arriving with the food trolley!

Allergy-Friendly Food Love

• Whip up safe, individually prepared meals for children with allergies.
• Ensure every child gets exactly what they need to enjoy lunch safely.

Special Treats & Big Smiles

• Make fun treats for events—gingerbread men? Hot chocolate for parents? Bring it on!
• Make a few cuppas for the hardworking staff along the way.

Stock, Shop & Stay Organised

• Keep the kitchen stocked and ready, planning weekly shopping lists and placing online orders.
• Maintain food safety records (yes, we’re responsible and fun).

Kitchen Wizardry

• Keep the kitchen and utility areas sparkling clean.
• Load/unload the dishwasher, clean appliances, mop floors, tidy cupboards—basically, make the kitchen glow.
• Manage laundry like a pro—washed, dried, folded, done!

Kitchen Boss Mode

• Make sure staff using the kitchen keep it as tidy as you do.
• Own the space and keep everything running smoothly.
• Plus anything else that keeps the kitchen humming!

Who We’re Looking For

• Loves cooking and creating meals that make kids happy
• Organised, reliable, upbeat and proactive
• Enjoys working independently
• Has kitchen or catering experience (bonus points if it’s with little ones!)

Why You’ll Love This Role

• You’re not just cooking — you’re helping shape happy, healthy little humans.
• Every day is different, full of creativity, fun and purpose!

Ready to Join the Fun?

If you’re a kitchen-loving, recipe-inventing, organisation-obsessed superstar, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and help us make mealtimes magical!