At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to serve nutritious meals and promote healthy eating.
- Company: Join Emersons Green Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust family.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for career growth and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through delicious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school kitchen and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26427 - 26847 £ per year.
Join our Team as a Kitchen Manager at Emersons Green Primary School!
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: Grade 11 £26,427 - £26,847 (FTE) per annum (Actual salary based on hours: £18,430.36 - £18,723.27 p.a.)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (8:30am – 14:30pm) Monday to Friday, term time only to include INSET days (39 weeks)
Application Closing Date: 30/09/2026 - We recommend early application as the school reserves the right to close the advert prior to the stated deadline date
Interview date: w/c 05/10/2026
The Role
- Are you an enthusiastic and organised individual with a flair for food and a heart for community?
- Emersons Green Primary School is looking for a dedicated Kitchen Manager to lead our school catering service and deliver nutritious, delicious meals that help our pupils thrive.
- Experience of working in a school kitchen environment.
- Support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service.
- Assist in the promotion of healthy eating.
- Be flexible and able to adapt to ensure a smooth running of our lunch service.
- Maintain a calm and consistent approach to working with the children.
- Communicate well with children, other staff and lead professionals.
- Share the school’s vision and values.
- Have a patient, empathetic and conscientious nature and be committed to providing the best care and service for our children.
- Possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team.
Please refer to the candidate information pack for further details about this role.
Fluency Duty: This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents and other users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The School and Trust
Emersons Green Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, a family comprising 18 schools (14 primary, 2 junior, and 2 infant schools), all united in our common goal of creating outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in our local communities.
At Emersons Green Primary we are Forging Mighty Futures through a pursuit of excellence, building bravery, championing uniqueness and embracing practice and effort. We wish to appoint an energetic and highly motivated teaching assistant to join our successful team on this exciting journey.
Emersons Green is a purpose-designed school, which opened in 2000. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, popular, inclusive community. We cater for 210 mainstream pupils and have a Resource Base for up to 14 pupils who have physical/visual needs. These children are fully included into the mainstream classes and are supported by Resource Base staff. Our school values of Respect, Empathy, Bravery, Kindness permeate everything we do.
We can offer you:
- A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a dedicated and hard-working staff team.
- Professional Growth: We are committed to staff development and offer excellent CPD opportunities. Staff can also take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, allowing for practical experience and personal growth.
- Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 17 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
- Employee Wellbeing: Our staff’s opinion matters to us, which is why we conduct an annual staff survey to ensure their voice is heard. Additionally, our Wellbeing Committees are here to support staff in the workplace. Support staff benefit from generous leave entitlement.
- Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and discount retail platform to help you save money on various purchases.
Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge employer: Cadbury Heath Primary
Wheatfield Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and motivating environment where dedicated staff collaborate to inspire young learners. As part of The Leaf Trust, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, pathways for career progression across 17 schools, and a strong focus on wellbeing, including additional annual leave and comprehensive health support. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Cadbury Heath Primary. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Cadbury Heath Primary
Don't be shy about reaching out to Cadbury Heath Primary directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Cadbury Heath Primary and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cadbury Heath Primary
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
