Contract type: Permanent
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 7: 30am - 2pm (30 minute break)
Work pattern: 30 hours per week, Term time only + 2 days (38.4 weeks)
Salary information: Scale 5, £23,033 - £24,061 per annum (dependent upon experiene)
Start date: September 2026 (Hand over for 1 week with the current cook in July 2026)
Job Overview
Grange Park School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Cook in Charge / Catering Manager to lead our school catering provision and join our friendly and supportive team.
Grange Park School is a thriving all-through primary school with a strong community ethos and exceptionally positive school culture.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced catering professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for children and leading the day-to-day operation of a busy school kitchen
Responsibilities
To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen within the allocated budget, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, school policies and procedures. To provide a high-quality, safe and nutritious school meals service that meets the needs of pupils and promotes healthy eating across the school community.
As a recently amalgamated school, this role offers exciting opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the wider school community, contribute to the continued development of the catering provision and help shape a positive dining experience for all pupils.
The start date for this position can be flexible for the successful candidate, and a comprehensive handover process will be provided to support a smooth transition into the role.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
- Oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with Government guidance and current school food standards legislation.
- Prepare termly menus in accordance with the Healthy Schools Food Standards Programme and healthy eating guidance.
- Be flexible and responsive to new initiatives relating to school meals, healthy eating and pupil wellbeing.
- Prepare and cook food to required specifications in accordance with food hygiene and food safety legislation.
- Ensure compliance with the school’s Food Safety Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Allergens Policy and all relevant catering regulations.
- Complete and maintain the daily Food Standards digital diary and all associated records accurately.
- Be innovative and creative in developing menus and meal options which encourage healthy eating and pupil engagement.
- Place orders with approved suppliers for food, cleaning materials, equipment and stationery in line with school procedures.
- Source best-value products from authorised suppliers to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the catering service.
- Manage food stocks effectively to prevent shortages and unnecessary waste while adhering to the catering budget.
- Ensure the correct storage, rotation and quality control of all stock in accordance with legislation and maintain accurate records.
- Complete all required paperwork and documentation relating to stock control, financial returns and compliance procedures.
- Cater for pupils with special dietary requirements and ensure allergy information is clearly communicated and appropriately labelled.
- Ensure the kitchen, food preparation areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, safe and hygienic condition at all times.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is used safely and in accordance with manufacturer guidance and report maintenance concerns promptly to the Site Manager.
- Ensure safe handling, storage and use of cleaning chemicals and materials in accordance with COSHH regulations.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Prepare staff rotas and delegate tasks appropriately to ensure the smooth running of the service.
- Ensure all catering staff adhere to appropriate hygiene standards, including the wearing of correct uniform and PPE.
- Support the induction, training and wellbeing of catering staff and contribute positively to team morale and development.
- Liaise effectively with colleagues, the Headteacher, School Business Manager, suppliers and external agencies where appropriate.
- Promote and market the school meals service positively within the school community.
- Work collaboratively with staff across the recently amalgamated school to support a consistent and high-quality catering provision.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and adhere to all school safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level and responsibility of the post.
COOK IN CHARGE/CATERING MANAGER
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Experience in preparing, cooking and serving food within a large catering operation.
- Face to face experience of dealing with people.
- Supervision and management experience.
- Compiling menus, ordering commodities, food costing and general administration duties.
- Must possess a valid Food Hygiene qualification.
- Must possess Level 3 Food Safety (or NVQ equivalent).
- GCSE or equivalent level in English and Maths.
- First Aid Trained – Training will be provided
- Able to follow instructions, i.e. menus, recipes, guidelines, Codes of Practice i.e. Health & Safety and Hygiene Practices.
- Able to breakdown quantities and recipes.
- Able to complete administrative documents/forms.
- Able to use general catering equipment safely and correctly.
- Able to manage the catering unit within the budget restraints.
- Able to head a team and work to a rota.
- Able to carry out tasks without supervision and follow verbal instructions.
- Good organisational skills.
- Able to cope with lunch time pressures.
- Ability to conform to the Authority’s regulations regarding health and safety of staff employed in food handling, i.e. medical clearance.
- Knowledge of legislative requirements for working in school catering.
- Able to use a calculator.
- The ability to use a computer.
- Good literacy and numeracy skills.
- Polite, courteous and friendly towards customers and colleagues.
- Willing and capable to be flexible and adjust to various duties and hours.
- Willing and able to undertake further training.
- Able to work under pressure, responding to customer needs and complaints.
- Capable of moderate physical activity, i.e. lifting saucepans, standing for long periods of time.
- Capable and willing to work on own initiative.
- Good communication skills – the ability to make points clearly and understand the views of others.
- Ability to develop new ideas.
- Energy, determination and perseverance.
- Reliability and integrity.
- Personal pride in your work with a “can do” attitude.
- Understanding of the school’s equal opportunities policy and its relevance to the role of Cook in Charge/Catering Manager.
This role is ideal for a motivated individual passionate about delivering exceptional catering experiences while leading a dedicated culinary team.
Early applications are encouraged and candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are high volumes of application
Pay: £23,108.00-£24,118.00 per year
Benefits:
Experience:
- Catering: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
