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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school kitchen, preparing nutritious meals and ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join an award-winning catering service in a vibrant primary school environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive team, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing service that feeds over a million meals annually.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for customer care.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work across various school sites.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
Neway are looking for a Head of Kitchen to join a Primary School based in Tilbury.
Duration: on-going
Hours: 22.5 per week (term time)
Start Date: 26 January 2026
About the Role
Thurrock Council is seeking two experienced and enthusiastic Head of Kitchen – Catering & Hospitality professionals to support its expanding School Meal Service. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected, award‑winning catering service delivering more than one million meals each year across the borough. You will play a key role in ensuring high‑quality, nutritious meals are prepared and served to pupils and staff across Thurrock’s schools. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong organisational skills, excellent food standards, and a commitment to outstanding customer care.
About Thurrock Catering Services
Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life accredited meals across:
- 24 Primary Schools
- 3 Secondary Schools
- 2 Alternative Provision Academies
The service continues to grow, now supporting Grangewaters Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding Events, creating a dynamic and varied working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise all activities within the school kitchen, counter display, and dining areas.
- Prepare, cook, and deliver high‑quality meals in line with service standards.
- Promote the Catering Service and stay informed on new products, promotions, and legislative changes.
- Ensure full compliance with Allergy and Food Hygiene legislation.
- Manage food ordering, stock control, and team coordination.
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly operational data and reporting.
- Support the service in increasing meal uptake across schools.
- Provide flexible cover across various school sites within Thurrock when required.
About You / Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Chef, Cook, or Kitchen Lead.
- A positive, proactive, “can‑do” attitude.
- Strong customer care values and a pleasant, professional manner.
- Flexibility to work across multiple school sites.
- Knowledge and training in Food Hygiene and Allergy legislation.
- The ability to organise, supervise, and motivate a kitchen team.
School Head of Kitchen in Tilbury employer: Neway International Ltd
Contact Detail:
Neway International Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Head of Kitchen in Tilbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering and hospitality industry. Let them know you're on the lookout 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, prepare a sample menu or showcase your cooking techniques in a casual setting. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on food trends and legislation. Being knowledgeable about the latest in food hygiene and allergy regulations shows that you're serious about your role. Plus, it gives you great talking points during interviews!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Head of Kitchen. Plus, it shows you're keen and ready to join our fantastic team at Thurrock Catering Services.
We think you need these skills to ace School Head of Kitchen in Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for cooking and providing quality meals. Share any experiences that highlight your love for food and how it impacts the community, especially in a school setting.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Kitchen, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times you've successfully managed a kitchen or motivated a team to achieve great results.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for this role. Include specific examples of your previous work as a Chef or Cook, especially in a school or similar environment, and how you ensured high standards in food preparation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board with our fantastic team at Thurrock Catering Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Neway International Ltd
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals served in the school kitchen. Research any special dietary requirements and be ready to discuss how you would cater to diverse needs. This shows your commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and how you've motivated staff to deliver excellent customer care. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing food ordering and stock control.
✨Stay Updated on Food Hygiene
Brush up on the latest food hygiene regulations and allergy legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to safety in food preparation.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways to promote the catering service and increase meal uptake. Prepare ideas on how you could engage with pupils and staff to make mealtimes enjoyable. Showing your enthusiasm for community involvement can set you apart from other candidates.