Nursery Kitchen Manager

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

Job summary

A nursery recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is looking for a passionate Kitchen Manager/Housekeeper to join their team. The successful candidate will prepare nutritious meals, design seasonal menus, and ensure a high-quality kitchen environment for children aged 0-5. Responsibilities include managing kitchen hygiene, accommodating dietary needs, and maintaining stock. Ideal applicants will have experience in catering, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Passion for creating healthy, homemade food.
• Experience in catering, preferably in a nursery/school setting.
• Strong ability to manage kitchen hygiene and organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all meals and snacks suitable for children aged 0-5.
• Design and plan seasonal menus for the nursery.
• Ensure high hygiene standards in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Manage nursery laundry and kitchen supplies.

Skills

Passion for cooking and nutrition

Strong organisational skills

Excellent attention to detail

Warm, positive attitude

Ability to work independently

Experience in catering or food preparation

Job description

Overview

We\'re Hiring! Catering Manager / Housekeeper — Join a warm, welcoming nursery team dedicated to providing exceptional care and nutritious meals for children aged 0-5. Are you passionate about creating healthy, homemade food and maintaining a high-quality kitchen environment? Our nursery is looking for a dedicated Kitchen Manager/Housekeeper to take ownership of our kitchen, deliver delicious meals, and ensure our catering operations run smoothly each day.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all meals and snacks — hot and cold, healthy, balanced and homemade, suitable for a range of ages (0-5 years).
• Design and plan seasonal menus, bringing fresh ideas for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.
• Cater for children with allergies, ensuring all food and drinks are prepared carefully and individually.
• Serve meals to each room using trays or trolleys, including self-serve options and appropriately portioned baby meals.
• Prepare treats for special occasions, e.g. gingerbread and hot chocolate for festive events.
• Manage stock and maintain supplies, including weekly shopping lists and online orders.
• Handle kitchen record-keeping such as food and fridge temperature checks, following Safer Food, Better Business guidelines.
• Maintain high hygiene standards — washing up, cleaning kitchen and utility areas, mopping floors, emptying bins, and ensuring all equipment and surfaces are spotless.
• Manage nursery laundry, ensuring items are washed, dried and put away.
• Oversee staff use of the kitchen, ensuring it remains organised and tidy.
• Clean appliances including fridges, oven, microwave and utility cupboards.
• Carry out additional related duties to support the smooth running of the nursery.

What We\'re Looking For

• A passion for cooking and nutrition
• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• A warm, positive attitude and ability to work independently
• Experience in catering or food preparation (nursery/school setting desirable)

Apply

📨 Apply Today! If you\'re enthusiastic, reliable, and excited to bring your skills into a caring nursery environment, we\'d love to hear from you. Join us and help create a healthy, happy start for young children every day.