Job Description

Fulston Manor Academies is looking to recruit a Head Cook to work within the Catering Team based at Fulston Manor School.

The successful candidate will be a team player who takes pride in their work. You will need to be flexible, reliable and have a professional approach towards your work and have the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

If you are interested and would like to apply please complete the school's application form and send this in to Suzanne Francis, Trust HR & Business Director with a covering letter (email acceptable) to recruitment@fulstonmanor.kent.sch.uk

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Cook join our Catering Team. This role is vital in providing nutritious, delicious, and appealing meals to our students while adhering to safety and dietary guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food preparation, kitchen hygiene, and meal planning tailored to accommodate the varied needs of children. In this position, you will be responsible for preparing balanced meals that comply with nutritional standards while also considering dietary restrictions. You will work closely with the Trust HR & Business Director to develop menus that incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. This is a busy position within the school requiring someone with a calm and professional disposition. You will need to be flexible, reliable and have a professional approach towards your work. Taking a lead within the kitchen team you will set the standard for the catering function; being responsible for the day to day oversight of the food services and smooth running of the same.

Your ability to contribute towards a positive, engaging environment in the kitchen will play a key role in encouraging students to appreciate healthy eating. A love for cooking and familiarity with large-scale food service operations will be beneficial. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of young students through your culinary skills, while fostering a spirit of community and teamwork in a school setting

The role will require liaison and the provision of assistance and guidance to the Catering Team at the Primary School within the Trust, as and when needed.

Key Responsibilities

To oversee the preparation, cooking and service arrangements at Fulston Manor School.

Manage and oversee the catering budget, being responsible for ensuring that business turnover covers all associated costs commensurate with a first-class catering provision.

Being responsible for all ordering, ensuring the Trust receives the best value and that all orders reconcile to deliveries.

Monitor invoices, identifying any discrepancies and completing financial reports as required.

Provide support to the Assistant Catering Manager and Cook at South Avenue Primary School.

To report any staffing matters or issues directly to the Trust HR and Business Director.

Monitor food inventory and order supplies as needed to ensure availability of ingredients.

Prepare and cook a variety of meals for students in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Plan weekly menus that accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences of students.

Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment following health and safety regulations ensuring all equipment, catering and service areas adhere to cleanliness expectations.

Collaborate with HR and Business Director to ensure compliance with food service standards.

Preparing serving areas for breakfast, break and lunch times including setting up and operation of till points.

Make provision as appropriate for special food diets.

Serving food at designated times - breakfast, break and lunchtime.

Ensuring the stocking of stores and fridges for key times ensuring stock rotation of all items.

Follow food hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen in accordance with health and safety, food hygiene and COSHH regulations at all times ensuring the team do the same.

Managing all orders for school events that require food or hospitality provision for example meetings and evening events.

Operate kitchen equipment, following training.

Sorting and storing deliveries, ensuring stock rotation.

Train other Catering Staff in food preparation and safety practices.

Undertake routine checks of equipment, cleaning materials and uniform reporting any issues to the Trust HR and Business Director or the Trust Facilities Assistant.

Engage with students to promote healthy eating habits and educate them about nutrition.

To be accountable for inspections undertaken by the Local Authority, Environmental Health Inspectors and external verifiers, ensuring the kitchen is meeting the necessary health, hygiene and safety requirements.

Any other relevant tasks as required Trust HR and Business Director.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

Ideally hold NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2 certificates

Experience:

Proven experience in food preparation and cooking preferably in a school or a high-volume setting.

Minimum 2 years catering experience.

Experience of leading a team would be desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

Calm and flexible approach

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in food preparation and kitchen management.

Ability to plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines and catering for a range of diverse dietary needs and are appealing to our young citizens

Understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Understanding of costing and budgets.

Excellent communication skills and teamwork ability to work collaboratively with school staff.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks.

Be adaptable and be flexible, with a 'can-do' attitude.

Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,766.01 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/09/2025