At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school kitchen, creating nutritious meals and managing a dedicated team.
- Company: Grange Park School, a vibrant community-focused primary school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and a positive work environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with opportunities to shape the school's catering provision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy eating and quality meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23033 - 24061 £ per year.
Job Reference: CJ5712
Advert Posted On: 22/05/2026
Contract type: Permanent
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 2pm (30 minute break)
Work pattern: 30 hours per week, term time only + 2 days (38.4 weeks)
Salary information: Scale 5, £23,033 - £24,061 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Start date: September 2026 (Hand over for 1 week with the current cook in July 2026)
Grange Park School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Cook in Charge / Catering Manager to lead our school catering provision and join our friendly and supportive team. Grange Park School is a thriving all-through primary school with a strong community ethos and exceptionally positive school culture. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced catering professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for children and leading the day-to-day operation of a busy school kitchen.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience within a catering environment.
- Can lead and organise a kitchen team effectively.
- Is committed to high standards of food hygiene, health and safety.
- Can promote healthy eating and contribute positively to school life.
We can offer:
- A welcoming and supportive staff team.
- Well-behaved, respectful pupils.
- A positive working environment with a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Opportunities to help shape and develop our catering provision.
Closing date: Wednesday 10th June 2026 at Noon
Interview date: Friday 12th June 2026
Further information: Early applications are encouraged and candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are high volumes of applications.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.
Cook in Charge / Catering Manager - Hayes employer: Crinkle Recruitment
Grange Park School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and welcoming environment where staff can thrive. With a strong focus on wellbeing and the opportunity to shape the catering provision, this role allows for meaningful contributions to the lives of well-behaved and respectful pupils. Join a dedicated team in a positive school culture that values high standards and promotes healthy eating.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Charge / Catering Manager - Hayes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at schools. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a small cooking demo or a tasting session for potential employers. This gives them a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen and shows your passion for high-quality meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their commitment to healthy eating and community spirit. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the school culture too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Charge / Catering Manager - Hayes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for cooking and providing nutritious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your love for food and how it can positively impact children's lives.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook in Charge, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to mention any previous experience you have in managing or organising a kitchen team. We want to know how you can inspire others to maintain high standards!
Emphasise Your Commitment to Hygiene:Food hygiene and safety are crucial in our kitchens. Be sure to include any relevant qualifications or training you've had in this area. Show us that you take these standards seriously and can lead by example.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crinkle Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering knowledge, especially around nutrition and food hygiene. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in a kitchen environment and how you've led a team before.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and providing healthy meals for children shine through. Share examples of how you've promoted healthy eating in the past and why it matters to you.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since you'll be leading a kitchen team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've successfully organised a team or resolved conflicts in a busy kitchen setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show you're genuinely interested in the role and the school. Ask about their current catering provision, how they promote wellbeing among staff and pupils, or what opportunities there are for developing the catering service.
