At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious meals for our school community.
- Company: Chalk Hill Academy, a supportive educational environment in Sudbury.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellbeing initiatives, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join us in fostering a positive community and enjoy various staff development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing nutritious meals in a vibrant school setting.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Catering and experience managing kitchen teams required.
The predicted salary is between 20320 - 22025 £ per year.
Chalk Hill Academy is seeking an experienced and qualified professional to lead a dedicated catering team in a SEMH educational setting. The role involves leading the planning, preparation and delivery of high-quality meals while ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in line with health regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning, preparation and delivery of meals for the school community.
- Ensure kitchen operations are safe, efficient and comply with health and safety regulations.
- Manage kitchen staff, scheduling and training.
- Maintain food safety standards, HACCP and specific dietary practices.
- Collaborate with school staff to create nutritious menus that meet diverse dietary needs.
Qualifications:
- Minimum NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering (or equivalent).
- Current Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Proven experience managing kitchen teams and catering for large numbers in an educational or similar environment.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP and specific dietary practices.
- Positive, flexible approach fostering strong relationships across the school community.
Benefits:
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Family friendly policies and flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Wellbeing initiatives.
- Free parking.
- Company events.
- Various memberships and discount schemes.
- Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days.
- Funded subject course development for your role.
- Staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities.
- Career progression opportunities.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate, including an enhanced DBS Disclosure. All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.
Closing date: 1 pm, 13 July 2026. To apply: Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal on our website.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen in Sudbury
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Suffolk County Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Suffolk County Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Suffolk County Council directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen in Sudbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Suffolk County Council and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
