Description
Gladesmore Community School is seeking an experienced, organised and committed Head of Kitchen to manage the day-to-day operation of their in-house catering service.
The successful candidate will supervise the kitchen and Glade Diner staff, coordinate food preparation and service, and ensure that students and staff receive healthy, high-quality meals through an efficient, welcoming and inclusive service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and organise the catering team during food preparation and service
- Allocate duties and ensure staff work safely, efficiently and to the required standard
- Oversee the preparation and service of meals and snacks across all catering service areas
- Maintain robust HACCP, food-safety, hygiene and allergen-management procedures
- Ensure allergen information, food labels, menus and pricing are accurate and up to date
- Meet dietary, religious and allergen requirements
- Monitor food quality, presentation, availability and portion control throughout service
- Plan menus and identify the food, materials, staffing and equipment required
- Forecast food requirements and place accurate and timely orders
- Monitor stock levels, usage, pricing and food waste
- Compare suppliers on price, quality, reliability and suitability to secure best value for the school
- Obtain quotations and recommend alternative products or suppliers where savings or service improvements can be achieved
- Maintain effective supplier relationships and resolve issues with deliveries, quality or availability
- Check deliveries against orders and ensure goods are safely stored and accurately recorded
- Manage expenditure and income within agreed budgets and procedures
- Maintain accurate temperature checks, cleaning schedules, delivery records and other required compliance documentation
- Prepare for internal audits, external inspections and Environmental Health Officer visits
- Ensure catering equipment is used safely, cleaned and maintained, and report repair or replacement requirements
- Support school events, open evenings, community events and themed catering activities
- Implement agreed service improvements and report progress to SLT
Requirements:
- Substantial experience of working in a busy catering environment
- Experience of supervising and organising catering staff
- Strong practical food preparation, cooking and presentation skills
- An appropriate food-safety qualification
- A good working knowledge of HACCP, food hygiene and allergen requirements
- Experience of food ordering, stock control and checking deliveries
- Good commercial awareness and the ability to compare suppliers and secure value for money
- Experience of managing costs, monitoring budgets and reducing food waste
- Strong organisational, communication and record-keeping skills
- The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during busy service periods
- A professional and respectful approach to working with students, colleagues, suppliers and visitors
- Competent digital skills for ordering, maintaining records and preparing reports