School Head of Kitchen
| Posting date: | 21 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £14.02 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Holiday Pay and Pension Contributions |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 20 February 2026 |
| Location: | Tilbury, Essex |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR21565 |
Summary
Neway are looking for a Head of Kitchen to join a Primary School based in Tilbury
Duration: on-going
Hours: 22.5 per week (term time)
Start Date: 26 January 2026
About the Role
Thurrock Council is seeking two experienced and enthusiastic Head of Kitchen – Catering & Hospitality professionals to support its expanding School Meal Service. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected, award‑winning catering service delivering more than one million meals each year across the borough.
You will play a key role in ensuring high‑quality, nutritious meals are prepared and served to pupils and staff across Thurrock’s schools. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong organisational skills, excellent food standards, and a commitment to outstanding customer care.
About Thurrock Catering Services
Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life accredited meals across:
24 Primary Schools
3 Secondary Schools
2 Alternative Provision Academies
The service continues to grow, now supporting Grangewaters Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding Events, creating a dynamic and varied working environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise all activities within the school kitchen, counter display, and dining areas.
Prepare, cook, and deliver high‑quality meals in line with service standards.
Promote the Catering Service and stay informed on new products, promotions, and legislative changes.
Ensure full compliance with Allergy and Food Hygiene legislation.
Manage food ordering, stock control, and team coordination.
Complete daily, weekly, and monthly operational data and reporting.
Support the service in increasing meal uptake across schools.
Provide flexible cover across various school sites within Thurrock when required.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
Proven experience as a Chef, Cook, or Kitchen Lead.
A positive, proactive, “can‑do” attitude.
Strong customer care values and a pleasant, professional manner.
Flexibility to work across multiple school sites.
Knowledge and training in Food Hygiene and Allergy legislation.
The ability to organise, supervise, and motivate a kitchen team.
Duration: on-going
Hours: 22.5 per week (term time)
Start Date: 26 January 2026
About the Role
Thurrock Council is seeking two experienced and enthusiastic Head of Kitchen – Catering & Hospitality professionals to support its expanding School Meal Service. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected, award‑winning catering service delivering more than one million meals each year across the borough.
You will play a key role in ensuring high‑quality, nutritious meals are prepared and served to pupils and staff across Thurrock’s schools. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong organisational skills, excellent food standards, and a commitment to outstanding customer care.
About Thurrock Catering Services
Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life accredited meals across:
24 Primary Schools
3 Secondary Schools
2 Alternative Provision Academies
The service continues to grow, now supporting Grangewaters Residential Groups and Holiday Activity Feeding Events, creating a dynamic and varied working environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise all activities within the school kitchen, counter display, and dining areas.
Prepare, cook, and deliver high‑quality meals in line with service standards.
Promote the Catering Service and stay informed on new products, promotions, and legislative changes.
Ensure full compliance with Allergy and Food Hygiene legislation.
Manage food ordering, stock control, and team coordination.
Complete daily, weekly, and monthly operational data and reporting.
Support the service in increasing meal uptake across schools.
Provide flexible cover across various school sites within Thurrock when required.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
Proven experience as a Chef, Cook, or Kitchen Lead.
A positive, proactive, “can‑do” attitude.
Strong customer care values and a pleasant, professional manner.
Flexibility to work across multiple school sites.
Knowledge and training in Food Hygiene and Allergy legislation.
The ability to organise, supervise, and motivate a kitchen team.