Technical Practitioner - Food Innovation

East Kent College; Broadstairs; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

East Kent College is seeking a Technical Practitioner for their Food Innovation Kitchen. This role involves supporting food entrepreneurs and ensuring the safe operation of kitchen facilities. Ideal candidates will have practical experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to food safety.

Benefits

Competitive salary and holiday entitlement

Access to online discounts via Rewards Scheme

Cycle to work, car leasing, and tech schemes

Generous pension scheme - 18% employer contribution

Time off for child's first day at school

Participation in Community Days

Qualifications

• Background in food production or related environment.
• Confidence with industrial kitchen equipment.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support food production activities and maintain hygiene standards.
• Guide users through specialist kitchen equipment.
• Troubleshoot kitchen equipment and perform quality checks.

Skills

Practical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field

Job description

About The Role

Are you the secret ingredient to Food Innovation for East Kent Colleges Group?

Join our team as a Technical Practitioner in our Food Innovation Kitchen, supporting our Technical Consultant.

Are you passionate about food innovation and supporting small businesses? We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Technical Practitioner – Food Innovation to join our dynamic team. Based in our newly opened Innovation Kitchen in Broadstairs, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the EKC Innovation Kitchen.

Under the direction of our Technical Consultant – Food Innovation, you’ll work closely with small businesses, opening up and locking down the kitchen, guiding users through our specialist equipment, supporting food production activities, and maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. Your work will directly contribute to the success of the EKC Innovation Kitchen, including troubleshooting kitchen equipment, performing quality checks, and maintaining inventory.

The core hours for this role are 26 hours per week, with opportunities for additional hours, not exceeding 37 hours per week.

Salary for 26 hours: £17,218 pro rata (£24,503 FTE) per annum. Note: this role is until 31 July 2026.

Working pattern (flexible):

• Monday - 8am - 1.30pm
• Wednesday - 8am - 1.30pm
• Friday - 8am - 6pm

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a practical, fast-paced environment and is excited to support food entrepreneurs and learners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and holiday entitlement
• Access to online discounts via our Rewards Scheme (Restaurants, Grocery, Retail, Gym, Holidays)
• Cycle to work, car leasing, and tech schemes
• Generous pension scheme - 18% employer contribution
• Part of a company with a Net-Zero Eco-Sustainability focus
• Time off for child's first day at school, moving home, and interviews
• My 10 Days initiative for voluntary work leave
• Participation in Community Days and Annual Staff Celebration Day

About You

You’ll bring a flexible, can-do attitude and a background in food production or a related environment. You’re confident with industrial kitchen equipment and understand food safety and hygiene protocols. Flexibility for some weekend work may be required.

You’ll Also Have

• Excellent practical and administrative skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• The initiative to work independently and solve problems
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting a safe, inclusive environment

A Level 3 qualification in a relevant field is desirable but not essential. We value practical experience and willingness to learn.

If you’re ready to support innovation, empower small businesses, and shape the future of food, we’d love to hear from you.

No CV needed—just click apply and complete our short application form. You can save your progress and we’ll review all applications after the closing date.

For informal queries or to discuss the role, email us at [e-mail].

About Us

Outstanding Ofsted Provider

East Kent Colleges Group is an Ofsted Outstanding rated provider, the first in the country to achieve this across all strands. We focus on inclusivity, placing students and communities at the heart of our work, as reflected in our ‘Strong’ skills grading by Ofsted.

Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff undergo relevant checks, including DBS and referencing. It is a criminal offense to apply if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We hold the Positive About Disability Award and are a Disability Confident Employer. We also support Care Leavers and Armed Forces personnel, and welcome flexible working and return-to-work candidates.