Overview
Head of Kitchen - Old Trafford Community Academy
Required from 20th October 2025. Permanent role. Terms of employment: 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks of the year. (Term Time Only + 1 week).
Salary range £28,624 - £30,559 (FTE). This will be reduced and pro-rata to reflect the part-time pattern outlined above.
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated professional to join our catering team as Head of Kitchen and to lead and develop the wider catering team. This is an exciting time to join Old Trafford Community Academy as we start a new catering contract with ABM Catering Services. You will help provide our pupils with the best possible lunchtime experience and contribute to meeting our GROW standards with a healthy, nutritious, home-cooked lunchtime offering for our 350 pupils.
The successful candidate will work 32.5 hours per week during term time. An additional 5 days will also need to be worked, and some may fall during holiday periods to meet training requirements and other operational needs such as clean down and term-time readiness.
Responsibilities
Support the smooth running of the kitchen as part of the whole school team, ensuring pupils receive high quality meals each day and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. Lead the catering team with supervision from the School Business Manager and ABM colleagues as required. Ensure all food, safety and hygiene standards are known and adhered to by the team. Plan and prepare termly menus aligned with school food standards in collaboration with the Headteacher and Business Manager, and in partnership with ABM catering. Manage day-to-day kitchen operations including allergy management, stock control, cleaning, and food hygiene. Support the wider school community by contributing to a positive lunchtime experience and learning environment.
Qualifications and Requirements
Experience of preparing, cooking and serving food in a commercial or school kitchen is essential. You will work with the Headteacher and Business Manager to plan and prepare termly menus. Working with ABM catering, you will manage day-to-day kitchen operations including allergy management, stock control, cleaning, and food hygiene. Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH is essential. You will be responsible for direct line management of the catering team, with support from the School Business Manager and ABM colleagues as required.
To succeed in this role, you will be flexible, able to work as part of a team, and maintain high standards and expectations of the school environment. You will need good communication skills to work within the catering team and with the wider Old Trafford Community Academy family. You must be able to relate to children and understand the diverse cultural background of our pupil population, including children with additional needs.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Old Trafford Community Academy is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people. All staff, trustees, governors and volunteers share this commitment and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures. The recruitment process includes an assessment of suitability to work with children and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Focus-Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and ethnic minorities.
How to Apply
Please note we do not accept CVs, nor applications through platforms other than My New Term. Access the application form via the link provided if you wish to be considered for this role.
Closing Date for Applications: 22nd September 2025 at noon
Interview Date: 29th & 30th September 2025
If you have questions or would like to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our School Business Manager, Richard Connolly, via Email [emailprotected] or by calling 0161 912 4875.
We look forward to receiving your completed application if this role is of interest to you.
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