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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare and serve nutritious meals for schools.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council's award-winning Catering Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital service that supports children's health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong customer service skills, and a proactive attitude.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic school meal service.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Neway International are seeking a Primary School Head of Kitchen Cook to join our client based with Thurrock Council.
Overview
- Location: Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL
- Hours: 22.5 per week
- Start Date: 10 February 2026
- Duration: ongoing term time
About the Client
Thurrock Council’s Catering Services team delivers award‑winning, Bronze Food for Life accredited meals across the borough. The service provides high‑quality, nutritious school meals to 24 primary schools, 3 secondary schools and 2 alternative provision academies, as well as catering for Grangewaters Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding events. With more than one million meals served each year, the team plays a vital role in supporting children, young people, and school communities.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Chef or Cook to join a dynamic and expanding school meal service. As Head of Kitchen, you will prepare, produce, and deliver high‑quality food to pupils and staff, ensuring excellent standards of service and customer care. You will organise and supervise all kitchen and dining room activities, maintain compliance with food safety legislation, and support the wider catering service as required. Flexibility is essential, as you may be asked to work across different school sites within Thurrock.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote the Catering Service and support the team in staying up to date with new products, promotions, and legislative changes.
- Organise and deliver a high standard of food service and customer care.
- Prepare, cook, and present meals to required standards.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and kitchen team activities.
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly operational data reconciliation.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety and hygiene due diligence requirements.
- Support initiatives to increase meal uptake across schools.
- Provide cover across other school kitchens in Thurrock when required.
- Maintain strong customer care ethics and a positive, flexible approach.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Experience working as a Chef, Cook, or in a similar catering role.
- Strong customer service skills with a positive, proactive attitude.
- Ability to supervise kitchen operations and staff.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and allergy legislation.
- Flexible approach with the ability to work across multiple sites.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
- Pleasant, professional manner with strong communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience within school catering or large‑scale meal production.
- Understanding of current catering legislation and best practice.
- Ability to support service improvements and promote uptake.
School Cook Head of Kitchen in Grays employer: Neway International Ltd
Contact Detail:
Neway International Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook Head of Kitchen in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in school kitchens. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring samples of your cooking or share a portfolio of your best dishes. This is a great way to demonstrate your culinary expertise and passion for high-quality food service.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! Since the role involves working across different school sites, highlight your ability to manage various kitchen environments and your willingness to jump in wherever needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Head of Kitchen Cook. Plus, you’ll be in the loop for any updates or new opportunities that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook Head of Kitchen in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience as a Chef or Cook in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing your culinary adventures!
Customer Service is Key: Since strong customer service skills are essential, give examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. We love a proactive attitude, so let that shine through in your writing!
Be Organised: Demonstrate your organisational skills by structuring your application clearly. Use bullet points or headings to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neway International Ltd
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals and dietary requirements that are typically served in a school setting. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to different needs, such as allergies or preferences, and showcase your creativity in meal planning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Kitchen, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, managed conflicts, or improved service standards. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and maintain a positive work environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure you’re up to date with food hygiene regulations and allergy legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific practices you implement to ensure compliance and safety in the kitchen. This will show your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working across multiple sites, share experiences where you've adapted to changing environments or schedules. Highlight your willingness to take on various tasks and how you manage time effectively in a busy kitchen.
