Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality meals for pupils and staff in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join a friendly School Meal Service team in Thurrock.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive team, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a small team and grow your culinary career.
- Why this job: Create delicious meals that nourish and inspire young minds every day.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef/Cook, knowledge of food safety, and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Chef/Cook to join our School Meal Service team in Thurrock. This is a rewarding opportunity to work in a friendly, flexible environment, delivering high‐quality meals to pupils and staff across multiple school sites.
Working hours: 22.5 hours per week
Key Duties:
- Prepare, cook, and present food to a high standard for pupils and staff
- Organise and supervise all kitchen, counter, and dining room activities
- Support menu planning, food ordering, and stock control
- Promote the catering service and contribute to increasing meal uptake
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and allergen regulations
Requirements:
- Previous experience working as a Chef/Cook, ideally in a school
- Knowledge of food hygiene, safety standards, and allergen legislation
- Ability to manage and organise a busy kitchen environment
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Good customer service and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexibly across different locations
- Relevant food hygiene certification
- Experience in supervising or managing a small team
- Enhanced DBS
Head of Kitchen in Grays employer: BBS Recruitment
Contact Detail:
BBS Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in school meal services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is a great way to showcase your culinary talents and how well you can fit into the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards, as well as allergen regulations. We want to see that you’re not just a great cook, but also a responsible one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Chef/Cook, especially if you've worked in a school setting. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of delivering high-quality meals!
Be Specific About Your Skills: When you mention your skills, be specific! Talk about your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards, and how you've applied them in past roles. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our kitchen environment.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Since we value strong teamwork, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a busy kitchen. This will show us that you can manage and organise effectively while keeping the team spirit alive!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBS Recruitment
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your cooking techniques and food safety regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with menu planning and how you ensure compliance with hygiene standards. This shows that you’re not just a chef, but a knowledgeable leader in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a school kitchen, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or collaborated with a team. Highlight any experiences where you’ve motivated others or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, like managing busy service times or dealing with dietary restrictions. Think through your past experiences and be prepared to share how you tackled similar challenges.
✨Engage with Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and serving quality meals shine through. Share your ideas for promoting the catering service and increasing meal uptake. This will show that you’re not only qualified but also genuinely excited about the role.