Food Technology & Culinary Support Technician

Location: Redbridge, East/Outer London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only + 1 Week

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP Start

A forward-thinking secondary school and Sixth Form in the East London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an organized, practical, and safety-conscious Food Technology Technician to join their vibrant Design & Technology (D&T) and Hospitality department starting ASAP. This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary enthusiast, whether an experienced school food technician, a hospitality professional, or a practical individual with a passion for food safety, to play a vital role behind the scenes in driving hands-on practical culinary education.

About the Role

As the Food Technology Technician, you will be the operational backbone of the school’s practical food preparation kitchens. Starting immediately, you will work alongside teaching staff to ensure all practical cooking lessons across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition / Hospitality) run safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

• Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

• Environment: A supportive Outer London secondary school featuring modern culinary technology suites, enthusiastic students, and a strong emphasis on practical life skills

• Culture: A collaborative, practical, and safety-first workplace where nutritional education, culinary craft, and student engagement are enthusiastically championed

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom & Lesson Preparation: Portion, weigh, and organize food ingredients, cooking apparatus, and safety equipment prior to practical culinary classes and assessment sessions.

• Health, Safety & Food Hygiene: Enforce strict food safety, allergen control, and hygiene standards (HACCP, COSHH, and CLEAPSS guidelines), overseeing deep cleaning routines and correct food storage protocols.

• Inventory & Stock Management: Monitor food store inventories, check expiration dates, place orders for fresh ingredients with local suppliers, and keep accurate records for department budgets.

• Equipment Care & Maintenance: Regularly inspect, clean, and maintain domestic and commercial kitchen appliances, utensils, and safety apparatus, scheduling repairs as needed.

• In-Class Practical Support: Assist teaching staff during practical cooking demonstrations and provide live assistance to students on food safety, knife handling, and workstation hygiene.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Food Safety/Hygiene (e.g., Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering or equivalent) or a background in Catering, Hospitality, Food Technology, or Nutrition.

• Practical experience working in a kitchen environment, food preparation setting, or educational laboratory/workshop.

• Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations, allergen safety, cross-contamination risks, and health & safety standards (COSHH/CLEAPSS).

• Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and a methodical approach to stock management and kitchen cleanliness.

• Excellent team-working skills, initiative, and a patient, supportive manner when assisting secondary school pupils during practical cooking sessions.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with technical experience, pro-rata for term-time plus 1 week).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday pro-rata allowance, funded food safety and CLEAPSS training certifications, rapid onboarding for an immediate start, and access to staff health and wellbeing schemes.

How to Apply

If you are a detail-oriented, culinary-minded professional eager to step straight into a key support role at a dynamic secondary school in Redbridge starting ASAP, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for immediate consideration.