At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, prepare meals, and manage staff in school kitchens across Thurrock.
- Company: Thurrock Catering Services provides award-winning meals to schools, serving over a million meals annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team making a real impact on children's nutrition and well-being.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; training provided, but a positive attitude is essential.
- Other info: DBS check required; zero-hour contract with 20-30 hours per week.
The predicted salary is between 29253 - 32736 Β£ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\βs leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life, award winning lunchtime meals at 30 Primary Schools, 3 Secondary Schools within the Borough, serving more than one million meals each year to children and school staff. Due to the Universal Free School Meal\βs for KS1 pupils and continued expansion and growth of our service which now includes catering for Grangewaters Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding Events, an opportunity now exists to work in a friendly and flexible environment within school kitchens in Thurrock.
Head of Kitchen β Mobile to cover all area in Thurrock
Salary: Β£29,253 β Β£32,736 per annum pro rata / Hourly Rate: Β£15,16 β Β£16,97 per hour
Grade C
Casual β Zero Hour Contract (20 to 30 Hours per week service dependant)
You will be required to prepare, produce, and deliver an excellent standard food service to the staff and pupils at schools in the Grays area of Thurrock, you must be able to organise, arrange and supervise all activities in the school kitchen, counter display and dining room area and must be prepared to cover where-ever required across Thurrock in other schools if needed. You will need to promote the service and keep abreast of new products, promotions, and any changes in legislation.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Deliver a high standard catering service
- Cover and support the Catering Service wherever required across Thurrock
- Promotion of the Catering Service keeping abreast of new products & legislation,
- Organise and manage the catering provision to ensure an efficient and cost effective service to meet set targets on food and labour costs
- Ordering provisions, food preparation and cooking in accordance to the recipe file and menu.
- All paperwork & reporting required to ensure stock take and payroll deadlines are met
- The management of staff to include attendance and annual appraisals.
- Increase uptake and business growth
Full workplace training will be given, which includes food hygiene and safety training. A flexible approach with a \βcan-do\β attitude is required together with a pleasant personality and excellent customer care ethics.
DBS: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at Enhanced Level is required for this post.
Advert Closing Date:
- Redeployment Only: 7th August 2025
- Internal & External: 17th August 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
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Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Gaps in Employment Form
Gaps in Employment Example
About Us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
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Casual Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Casual Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of school catering. Understanding dietary requirements and nutritional standards for children can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Thurrock Catering Services. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility and adaptability in previous roles. Since this position requires covering various schools, highlighting experiences where you've successfully managed change will be beneficial.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would promote the catering service effectively. Think of creative ideas that could increase meal uptake among students and staff, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Kitchen position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in catering and management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles in catering or kitchen management. Include specific examples of how you've delivered high standards in food service and managed staff effectively.
Complete the Gaps in Employment Form: Make sure to fill out the Gaps in Employment grid as required. This is crucial for the Safer Recruitment process, so be thorough and honest in your responses.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
β¨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the menu items and recipes you will be working with. Being able to discuss specific dishes and how you would prepare them shows your passion and expertise in catering.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Kitchen, you'll need to manage staff effectively. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, including how you handle conflicts and motivate others.
β¨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires covering various schools, highlight your adaptability and willingness to work in different environments. Share experiences where you've successfully adjusted to new situations or challenges.
β¨Emphasise Customer Care
Excellent customer service is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you ensure a positive dining experience for both staff and pupils, and provide examples of how you've handled customer feedback in the past.