Kitchen Manager
Wilds Lodge School – Rutland
Term time (39 weeks)
Salary £30,000
We are seeking a motivated, proactive and positive individual to join our dedicated catering team at our wonderful school and work with our exceptional learners who experience a range of needs including SEMH and ASD. If you are a Kitchen manager/ assistantand would like the challenge of working in a demanding and rewarding environment, then we want to hear from you!
Job role - Kitchen Manager
The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for leading the kitchen department on one of our main sites. You will lead the day-to-day running of the School kitchen, reporting to the Estates and Facilities Manager. You will manage and support the kitchen team, ensuring a safe, efficient and welcoming service with high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer care.
You will be responsible for menu planning, food preparation, ordering and stock control, ensuring a cost-effective service that meets the needs of our learners. This role is key in ensuring compliance with food safety, health and safety and allergen regulations, while promoting a positive dining experience across the school community.
The successful candidate will have the ability to embrace the inclusive therapeutic culture and ethos of the school.
About Wilds Lodge:
Wilds Lodge School is an independent 38 week specialist boarding and day provision for boys and girls (girls are accepted as day learners only) for learners aged between 5 and 19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, set in Empingham, Rutland. All the learners at the school have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It was established in 2007 and aims to place an equal emphasis on the educational, social and psychological development of our learners. The key to the success of the school is a strong ethos, developed by a highly experienced and capable staff, and the strength of the relationships between the staff and the learners.
We are a friendly school where staff are supportive of each other inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves in ensuring all members of staff including our support staff have access to regular training. All our members of staff attend regular training on child protection; mental health and multi-agency working. All staff access a wide range of training on areas of SEN such as Autism, attachment and ADHD.
Requirements:
- Previous experience managing a team in a similar setting
- Good organisational skills
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals
- Have a genuine desire to become part of a committed team.
- Ensuring all food hygiene, safety and compliance standards are met
- Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
- Ensuring kitchen clean down is completed to the highest standard
To be successful, you will:
- Be an effective and committed team player with a clear vision for development and sustained improvement
- Possess humour, energy, flexibility and a positive outlook
In addition to a competitive salary, we are committed to the wellbeing and development of all our staff.
Benefits include:
- Free onsite parking
- Free refreshments
- Free meals whilst on duty
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Company events
- Excellent CPD packages, paid induction training and opportunities for part funding of further training including HLTA, Master Degrees and Teacher Training
- Excellent promotion and career progression
- Sick pay
- 3 days off paid for dependants sickness
How to apply:
For more information and a full application pack, please contact Kim Laughton on the below details:
E:
T: 01780 767254
Closing date for applications: Sunday 28th June 2026
Strong applications may be considered upon receipt
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The following is expected of all staff: All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
