Head of Kitchen

• Trimley St Martin Primary School
• Address: Kirton Road Trimley St Martin Suffolk IP110QL
• Salary: 25185 per annum pro rata 13.05 ph
• Hours: 30 hours per week term time only
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 7785

Trimley St Martin Primary School are seeking a dedicated and inspirational Head of Kitchen. You will have a passion for culinary arts and a strong commitment to providing exceptional hospitality. This role involves lone working to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen maintaining high standards of food preparation and presentation and contributing to a positive dining experience for our guests.

Your responsibilities:

• Food preparation and cooking ensuring all dishes are prepared according to established recipes and standards
• Meal service to children staff and school guests
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area including proper storage of food items and equipment including a termly deep clean
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership to develop new menu items and improve existing offerings
• Completing food orders
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations including food hygiene standards
• Participate in training sessions for new team members sharing knowledge of culinary techniques and kitchen operations.

What you will need

• Proven Experience: experience in a professional kitchen environment is preferred.
• Experience within schools: catering or large-scale food preparation will be highly valued
• Culinary Skills: a strong background in food preparation and cooking with the ability to plan prepare and present balanced nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Passion for Food: genuine enthusiasm for cooking creativity with menus and a commitment to providing healthy enjoyable meals for children and staff
• Knowledge of Food Safety: a solid understanding of food hygiene regulations health and safety standards and allergen management. Relevant qualifications (e.g. Food Hygiene Certificate HACCP training) are highly desirable
• Commitment to Childrens Wellbeing: an awareness of the importance of nutrition in childrens development and a dedication to promoting healthy eating in a school community.

About us

Trimley St Martin Primary School is a thriving and expanding school with a strong commitment to high standards and inclusion. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and we work hard to create a welcoming supportive environment where pupils can flourish. Our staff are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to deliver high-quality teaching engaging learning experiences and excellent pastoral care. We expect the very best from our pupils in terms of behaviour effort and attitude and in return we provide them with a nurturing school community that values respect kindness and ambition.

What will offer you

• A welcoming supportive team of hardworking colleagues who value collaboration and positivity.
• A friendly and inclusive school community where children are enthusiastic well-behaved and eager to learn.
• A committed governing body that supports both staff and pupils in achieving excellence.
• A culture that values professional growth with opportunities for training development and career progression.
• A rewarding role where your contribution makes a real difference to the wellbeing and daily experiences of our pupils.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (pdf)

For more information or to arrange a conversation with Samantha Ross Headteacher please contact us on .

How to apply

Please read the Application Guidance for School Support Staff (word) and complete an Application Form for School Support Staff (word)

Your completed application form should be returned to Samantha Ross via email: or sent to the school at Trimley St Martin Primary School Kirton Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP110QL.

Closing date: 1pm 19 September 2025.

Interview date: Week beginning 22 September 2025

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.