At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen and create nutritious meals for children.
- Company: Boothroyd Primary Academy, a vibrant community-focused school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to nurturing every child's potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's health and wellbeing every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong leadership skills, and passion for healthy eating.
The predicted salary is between 26966 - 28789 £ per year.
Hours: Full‑time – 37 hours per week (Term Time Only + 2 weeks), 6.30am to 2.00pm Mon to Fri
Location: Temple Rd, Dewsbury WF13 3QE
Position type: Permanent
Grade: 14-18
Salary: £26,966 to 28,789 (actual salary)
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Overview: We are incredibly proud of our school and our community, where we have the privilege to support, nurture and educate approximately 600 wonderful children aged 3‑11, from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds. Our vision is for Boothroyd to be the heartbeat of the community, where we empower all so we all shine brightly. We collectively contribute to a positive culture and learning environment that enables everyone to thrive and be the best version of themselves, by living out our school values of Honesty, Excellence, Aspiration, Respect and Teamwork. We believe in nurturing every child’s potential and fostering a supportive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and creative Kitchen Manager to lead our busy school kitchen and deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals for our pupils. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children’s health and wellbeing by ensuring they receive delicious, healthy meals every day.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, prepare, and cook healthy, balanced menus in line with the DfE School Food Standards, ensuring children receive the recommended daily portions of fruit, vegetables, fish, dairy, etc. as depicted in the food standards.
- Ensure menus provide a wide range of foods across the week, using fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
- Implement food‑based standards that restrict foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, following best practices for healthy eating in schools.
- Ensure the dining experience is positive, welcoming, and efficient for all pupils.
- Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food safety and hygiene compliance, stock control and ordering, budget management, and staff supervision and training.
- Support pupils with allergies and special dietary requirements, following updated allergy guidance.
About You:
- Has experience working in a school kitchen or a similar catering environment.
- Understands statutory nutrition requirements for school‑aged children.
- Is passionate about promoting healthy eating.
- Has excellent organisational and leadership skills.
- Can plan menus that meet diverse dietary needs.
- Holds relevant food hygiene qualifications (or is willing to undertake training).
What We Offer:
- A supportive, friendly school environment.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- The chance to make a real impact on children’s daily lives.
- Wellbeing support programme with access to the Kirklees Occupational Health Scheme.
- West Yorkshire Pension Fund membership and life assurance.
Kitchen Manager - Boothroyd Primary Academy employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager - Boothroyd Primary Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and catering sectors. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Kitchen Manager role at Boothroyd Primary Academy. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and culture. Show us how your passion for healthy eating and experience in school kitchens align with their mission. Bring examples of how you've created positive dining experiences in the past!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly when you see a position that fits. We love seeing proactive candidates who are eager to join our community.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the minds of the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Kitchen Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager - Boothroyd Primary Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Healthy Eating: When you're writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about promoting healthy eating. Share any experiences or ideas you have that align with our vision of providing nutritious meals for our pupils.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in a school kitchen or similar catering environment. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our busy kitchen and managing all aspects of kitchen operations.
Be Organised and Clear: Keep your application organised and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This helps us quickly see your qualifications and understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in our community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the DfE School Food Standards and can discuss how you would create balanced menus. Be ready to share examples of healthy meals you've prepared in the past and how you cater to different dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare to talk about your experience in managing staff, training new team members, and how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Healthy Eating
Demonstrate your commitment to promoting healthy eating among children. Share any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that encouraged kids to make healthier food choices.
✨Prepare Questions About the School Community
Show your interest in Boothroyd Primary Academy by preparing thoughtful questions about their community values and how the kitchen can contribute to the overall wellbeing of the pupils. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.