Civic Recruitment Limited
Head of Kitchen - Primary Schools

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2 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To lead and manage the catering service at William Lilley Infant & Nursery in Nottingham, ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the kitchen and the delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards while providing strong leadership to the catering team.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff.
- Lead and supervise catering staff, allocating duties and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen.
- Ensure all food is prepared, stored and served in accordance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements.
- Maintain accurate food safety and kitchen records as required.
- Monitor stock levels and place food and supply orders within agreed procedures.
- Control stock effectively and minimise waste.
- Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately.
- Support the development of menus and ensure meals meet required nutritional and dietary standards.
- Ensure special dietary requirements and food allergies are appropriately managed.
- Promote high standards of cleanliness, food quality and customer service.
- Work collaboratively with school staff and the wider catering team.
- Identify and address operational issues promptly.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.
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Requirements
- Previous experience in a supervisory catering or kitchen role is essential.
- Experience of working within a catering, school, education or similar environment is desirable.
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety requirements.
- Ability to maintain consistently high standards of food preparation and cleanliness.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative while also working effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable, responsible and committed to delivering high standards.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy kitchen environment.
- Awareness of food allergies, dietary requirements and safe food handling.
- Food Hygiene qualification or equivalent would be advantageous.


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Additional Information
- Location: NCC - William Lilley Infant & Nursery
- Hours per week: 25 hours
- Bi-weekly payments: Paid bi-weekly
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