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- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and deliver high-quality meals for schools.
- Company: Join Thurrock Catering Services, dedicated to quality school meal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in promoting healthy eating for students.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Cook with strong food hygiene knowledge.
- Other info: Flexible hours across multiple school sites with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 1800 £ per month.
3 months contract with a Local Authority. Thurrock Catering Services is seeking experienced and enthusiastic Head of Kitchen professionals to lead the delivery of high-quality school meal services across Thurrock. This role involves managing kitchen operations, preparing and cooking meals, supervising staff and ensuring compliance with food hygiene and allergy legislation. The successful candidates will support the Catering Service in maintaining Bronze Food for Life standards while delivering a safe, efficient and customer-focused service to pupils and staff.
Key Duties / Accountabilities
- Lead, organise and supervise all kitchen counter and dining hall activities.
- Prepare, cook and deliver high‑quality meals in line with Bronze Food for Life standards.
- Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen resources.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff ensuring high standards of service and customer care.
- Promote the Catering Service and remain up to date with new products, promotions and legislative changes.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergy legislation and food safety due diligence requirements.
- Complete daily, weekly and monthly operational data reconciliation.
- Provide flexible cover across schools within Thurrock when required.
- Support initiatives aimed at increasing uptake of the school meals service.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Head of Kitchen Chef or Cook within a catering environment.
- Strong knowledge of Food Hygiene and Allergy Legislation.
- Experience managing kitchen operations, staff supervision and food ordering.
- Ability to deliver excellent customer service with a positive can‑do attitude.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Flexibility to work across multiple school sites.
- Understanding of compliance due diligence and food safety standards.
Additional Information
- Closing date: 23/01/2026.
- Hours per week: 22.5.
- Employment Type: Full Time.
- Vacancy: 1.
- Monthly Salary: 18 - 18.
- Required Education: DBS is required.
Head of Kitchen in Basildon employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Civic Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Kitchen role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and kitchen management successes. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or catering services in Thurrock and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for delivering high-quality meals and how you’ve maintained standards in previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Kitchen, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to showcase your experience in managing kitchen operations and supervising staff. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams in the past.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role, especially when it comes to food hygiene and safety compliance. In your application, mention any relevant training or certifications you have, and provide examples of how you've ensured compliance in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Kitchen Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations and management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led a team in the past, managed food ordering, and ensured compliance with food hygiene standards. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but a leader who can handle the pressures of a busy kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves delivering a customer-focused service, think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Whether it’s improving meal quality or handling feedback, be prepared to share specific stories that highlight your positive can-do attitude and commitment to excellent service.
✨Stay Updated on Food Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the latest food hygiene and allergy legislation. During the interview, you might be asked about compliance due diligence, so having a solid understanding of these regulations will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safety in the kitchen.
✨Flexibility is Key
This position requires flexibility across multiple school sites, so be ready to discuss your adaptability. Share experiences where you’ve had to adjust quickly to new environments or challenges, as this will show that you can thrive in a dynamic setting.
