Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge

Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge

Bristol Full-Time 17841 - 18124 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the kitchen manager in delivering a smooth lunch service and promoting healthy eating.
  • Company: Join Emersons Green Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust, fostering community and excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, professional growth opportunities, and generous leave entitlements.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a friendly, inclusive school.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a school kitchen and strong communication skills with children and staff.
  • Other info: Flexible hours during term time with potential for career advancement across 14 schools.

The predicted salary is between 17841 - 18124 £ per year.

Overview

Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge – Permanent, part-time term-time hours. Location: Emersons Green Primary School, Bristol / South Gloucestershire area. Salary: Grade 11, £25,583 – £25,989 per annum (FTE); actual salary based on hours: £17,841.75 – £18,124.90 p.a. Hours: 30 hours per week, usually 8:30am – 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only (39 weeks). Start Date: As Soon As Possible. Closing Date: 12 February 2026 at 23:59. Contract Type: Permanent. Job Reference: EM-KUM-160126.

Responsibilities

  • Support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service.
  • Assist with promoting healthy eating.
  • Be flexible and able to adapt to ensure the smooth running of the lunch service.
  • Maintain a calm and consistent approach when working with children.
  • Communicate well with children, other staff and lead professionals.
  • Share the school’s vision and values.
  • Display a patient, empathetic and conscientious nature and be committed to providing the best care and service for children.
  • Exhibit good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience of working in a school kitchen environment.
  • Ability to communicate with pupils, parents and other users in accurate spoken English (fluency as required by policy).

Additional Information

  • The post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016); ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents and others in English is essential.
  • Emersons Green Primary School is part of The Leaf Trust; the Trust comprises 17 schools and is committed to creating outstanding learning environments.
  • We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional growth, career progression pathways, staff wellbeing initiatives, and financial benefits including pension and cycle to work schemes.
  • How to Apply: Please refer to the candidate information pack before applying. If you feel your skills match the role, submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability. Click “Apply Now.” CVs are not accepted in accordance with safeguarding policy.
  • Safeguarding: The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; all appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks including enhanced DBS, employment and reference checks, and an online search.
  • Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge employer: The Leaf Trust

Emersons Green Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust, offers a nurturing and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and supported. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from excellent CPD opportunities and pathways for career progression within a network of 14 schools. Our focus on employee wellbeing, generous leave entitlements, and financial benefits such as pension packages and a Cycle to Work Scheme make us an exceptional employer in the Bristol area.
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Contact Detail:

The Leaf Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Research Emersons Green Primary School and The Leaf Trust. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.

Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with children and staff, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios you might face in the kitchen to boost your confidence.

Tip Number 3

Show off your flexibility! In a school kitchen, things can change quickly. Be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to unexpected situations in the past, whether it’s a last-minute menu change or managing a busy lunch service.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to highlight your experience in a school kitchen environment!

We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge

Experience in a school kitchen environment
Support in running an effective lunch service
Promotion of healthy eating
Flexibility and adaptability
Calm and consistent approach
Effective communication with children and staff
Patient and empathetic nature
Good interpersonal skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for in a Kitchen Unit Manager and help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.

Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the application form, don’t hold back on sharing your kitchen experience, especially in a school environment. We want to see how your skills align with our vision of promoting healthy eating and running an effective lunch service.

Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who can connect with children and staff alike, so don’t be afraid to show us your empathetic and patient nature in your responses.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. This ensures your application goes directly to us, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Leaf Trust

Know Your Kitchen Basics

Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, especially in a school environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with lunch services and how you can support the kitchen manager in running an effective service.

Show Your Passion for Healthy Eating

Since promoting healthy eating is key for this role, think of examples where you've encouraged healthy choices in previous positions. Share your ideas on how to make nutritious meals appealing to children.

Communicate Like a Pro

Effective communication is crucial, especially when working with children and staff. Prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal skills by sharing past experiences where you successfully communicated with diverse groups.

Embrace Flexibility and Teamwork

This role requires adaptability and teamwork. Think of situations where you've had to adjust quickly to changes or worked collaboratively with others. Highlight your calm approach to challenges during the interview.

Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
The Leaf Trust
Location: Bristol
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  • Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    17841 - 18124 £ / year (est.)
  • T

    The Leaf Trust

    50-100
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