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: Supportive team, positive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Term-time only role with a focus on wellbeing and community spirit.
- 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.
School Catering Manager & Head Kitchen Lead (30h) 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 our dedicated team and enjoy a positive work culture that values high standards and promotes healthy eating.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Catering Manager & Head Kitchen Lead (30h)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Grange Park School and its community ethos. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local connections. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they value in a Catering Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to kitchen management and healthy eating. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the modern job search process.
We think you need these skills to ace School Catering Manager & Head Kitchen Lead (30h)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for catering and working with children shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about providing nutritious meals and creating a positive environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in catering. We’re looking for someone who can lead a kitchen team effectively, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past. It helps us see how you fit into our school culture!
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language, check your spelling and grammar, and make sure it’s well-structured. A polished application shows us you take this opportunity seriously.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications, and you might even get an interview before the closing date. Head over to our website to apply and show us what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crinkle Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering knowledge, especially around food hygiene and health and safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained these in previous roles, as this will show your commitment to high standards.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to deliver great results. This will demonstrate your ability to organise and inspire others.
✨Passion for Healthy Eating
Be ready to talk about your views on healthy eating and how you can promote it within the school environment. Share any initiatives you've implemented before that encouraged children to make healthier food choices.
✨Engage with the School Culture
Research Grange Park School's ethos and values. During the interview, express how you align with their community-focused approach and how you can contribute positively to school life through your catering provision.
