Food Technology & Culinary Arts Technician

Location: Havering, East/Outer London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational, Ofsted Rated 'Outstanding')

Contract: Full-Time or Part-Time (Term-Time Only)

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP or January Start

An Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' secondary school and Sixth Form in the London Borough of Havering is seeking a meticulous, proactive, and practical Food Technology & Culinary Arts Technician to join their high-performing Design & Technology department. This is an essential technical support position for a culinary enthusiast, practical technician, or experienced kitchen manager who excels at organizing practical learning spaces, enforcing strict food safety standards, and supporting secondary pupils during hands-on cooking lessons.

About the Role

As the Food Technology Technician, you will ensure the seamless execution of daily practical cookery and food science sessions. Working in close partnership with teaching staff across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition), and vocational hospitality courses, you will manage specialist kitchen rooms, coordinate ingredient inventories, maintain commercial-grade appliances, and assist pupils in mastering practical culinary skills safely.

• Environment: An Outstanding Outer London secondary school featuring state-of-the-art culinary kitchens, modern demonstration stations, and active nutritional health initiatives

• Culture: A collaborative, supportive department where high standards of food hygiene, technical precision, creative cooking, and pupil achievement are celebrated

Key Responsibilities

• Kitchen Preparation & Setup: Weigh, portion, and organize ingredient trays; set up cooking utensils, appliances, and workstation layouts prior to practical culinary classes and demonstrations.

• Hygiene, Health & CLEAPSS Compliance: Enforce strict hygiene and safety standards across all food suites, ensuring full compliance with COSHH, food safety regulations, temperature logging, and CLEAPSS guidelines.

• Stock & Inventory Control: Manage food store inventories, monitor shelf life, coordinate weekly ingredient orders with local suppliers, and ensure proper storage of dry, chilled, and frozen stock.

• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, calibrate, and inspect kitchen appliances, food processors, ovens, and hand tools to maintain safe operating condition.

• Classroom & Student Support: Assist teachers during practical sessions by providing guidance to pupils on safe knife handling, appliance operation, and kitchen hygiene routines.

Requirements

• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate (or willingness to complete prior to appointment).

• Practical experience working in a school food technology room, commercial kitchen, catering environment, or practical educational laboratory.

• Strong working knowledge of food safety, kitchen hygiene protocols, allergen management, and cross-contamination prevention.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage quick turnarounds between practical class periods.

• Approachable, supportive manner when assisting secondary-age pupils, combined with clear communication skills and a team-focused work ethic.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with food safety qualifications and technical experience).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), funded hygiene and CLEAPSS safety training, term-time-only work schedules, and access to staff health and wellbeing benefits.

How to Apply

If you are an organized, safety-conscious culinary technician ready to support high-standard food education at an Outstanding secondary school in Havering, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application and CV as soon as possible for consideration.