At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school kitchen, preparing and serving nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Thurrock Catering Services, dedicated to providing award-winning meals in schools.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a friendly environment with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring children enjoy healthy meals that support their growth.
- Qualifications: Catering management experience, food hygiene certification, and excellent customer care skills.
The predicted salary is between 29253 - 32736 £ per year.
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Salary: £29,253 - £32,736 per annum pro rata to hours worked as part-time
Grade: C
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 25 hours per week (term-time only)
About the Department
Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life, award winning lunchtime meals in Primary & 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's for KS1 pupils and continued expansion and growth of our service which now includes catering for Grangewaters Outdoor Activity Centre's Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding Events, an opportunity now exists to work in a friendly and flexible environment within school kitchens in Thurrock.
About the role
- You will be required to prepare, produce, and deliver an excellent standard food service to the staff and pupils.
- You must be able to organise, arrange and supervise all activities in the school kitchen, counter display and dining room area.
- You must be prepared to cover wherever 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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 with 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 'can-do' attitude is required together with a pleasant personality and excellent customer care ethics. This role offers the chance to make a real difference by ensuring our students eat nutritious and healthy food to support their growth and well-being and by providing a crucial food source to vulnerable pupils.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous Catering Management experience.
- Exceptional customer care skills.
- Excellent Team Leader.
- Essential qualifications:
- Food Hygiene Level 3.
- Allergen Awareness.
- NVQ Certificate in Food Preparation & Cooking Level 2 - 3 (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2).
- DBS Check Enhanced with Children’s Barred List is required for this post.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable).
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Staff discounts and local offers.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Important Dates
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th December 2025.
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 4th January 2026.
- Interview Date To Be Confirmed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Jayne Darlow - Catering Services Manager jdarlow@thurrock.gov.uk | 07920 232616.
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.
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.
Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of students through nutritious meals. With generous annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and ongoing professional development opportunities, we prioritise employee growth and wellbeing. Join us in a flexible role that not only values your contributions but also allows you to thrive in a community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen in Grays
✨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 Thurrock Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Thurrock Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Thurrock 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 Cook 4 - Head of Kitchen in Grays
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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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!
