Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager

Application Deadline: 9 January 2026

Department: Catering and Domestic Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Balerno, Edinburgh

Reporting To: Catering and Domestic Services Manager

Compensation: £26,778 - £28,176 / year

Description
Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis We are seeking a Kitchen Manager to join our Catering and Domestic team on a fixed-term, full-time employed basis to cover a period of maternity leave. The initial contract will run until 30 November 2026, with the possibility of becoming a permanent position thereafter The Kitchen Manager will report to the Catering and Domestic Manager and will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the main kitchen. Key duties include planning and ordering food for both the cottages and hospitality events, managing food waste, and ensuring full compliance with hygiene and health and safety standards. You will work closely with the Catering and Domestic Manager to deliver consistently high-quality, nutritious lunches for hospitality events. Occasionally, you may also be required to prepare meals for the cottages.     Strong communication skills are essential for this role, including the ability to complete necessary paperwork.     An elementary food hygiene certificate (or higher) is required. A qualification in cooking or food preparation is highly desirable.    The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week, excluding meal breaks. This will be Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3pm, with a 30-minute meal break each day.      The salary range for the post is £26,778 - £28,176 per annum.    Successful applicant will be required to join Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. 

Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children's play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available.    We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance, staff development and security. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary  
• 35 days' holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays 
• Pension scheme 
• On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy  
• Free gym membership and cycle to work scheme 
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling 
• Access to discounts on shopping and events. 

Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

For more information about the role, please contact Lesley McDonald, Catering and Domestic Services Manager, on
To apply, please complete the application form via our recruitment section at    
Closing date: 9 January 2026

Interview date: 16 January 2026

Key Responsibilities and Personal Characteristics Key responsibilities

1. Promote a positive ethos in Harmeny consistent with Harmeny's vision, purpose and core values. 
2. Support the CDM with the implementation of management team and Board decisions, cottage development plans, and Harmeny's policies and procedures. 
3. Maintain food safety when storing, preparing and cooking food, in line with HACCP guidelines. Ensure that routine daily checks, including temperature control during food preparation, service and storage are carried out properly. 
4. Prepare fresh food with due care and attention, particularly in regards to hospitality.
5. Assist the Homemakers in ensuring that each cottage receives the correct stock as ordered and preparing grocery orders for the cottages.  
6. Lead, inspire and motivate the Homemakers—with the support from the Catering and Domestic Services Manager—to create menus that are fresh, seasonal and exciting for our customers. 
7. Maintain an excellent standard of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen areas on daily basis. 
8. Ensure that all equipment is in proper working order and liaise with the CDM and/or Estates and Facilities Manager regarding repairs as needed. 
9. Ensure that tasks are completed in a manner consistent with good health and safety practice, including COSHH regulations, safe storage and working practices.  
10. Ensure proper stock rotation for all foods items—fresh, frozen and dry stores—while maintaining excellent standards in waste management.  
11. Work in cottages occasionally to support the wider team.  
12. Maintain a positive, helpful attitude throughout working hours, fostering strong team morale and providing support to colleagues as needed. 
13. Attend supervision, annual performance review, training and other meetings as required. 
14. Undertake any other duties as delegated by the CDM or the Senior Management Team. 

Personal characteristics

1. Committed to high standards of service delivery, cleanliness and hygiene. 
2. A flexible approach to covering duties as part of the team.  
3. A strong customer focus and proven ability to communicate well and build productive relationships with people at all levels. 
4. Willingness to work in any part of the Harmeny's service as requested by the Catering and Domestic Manager / Senior Management.  
5. Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities offered by Harmeny. 
6. Understanding of the need for and a willingness to maintain confidentiality on all Harmeny and children/young people matters. 
7. Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner and to act on own initiative if unexpected problems arise. 

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience Essential

1. An elementary food hygiene certificate.
2. Experience of food preparation.
3. Experience in undertaking a range of kitchen cleaning duties, and a commitment to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
4.  Knowledge of COSHH regulations.
5.  Knowledge of HACCP guidelines.
6.  Good communication skills. 

Desirable

1. A qualification in cooking or food preparation.
2. Certificate in health and safety.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 35 days' holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays
• Enhanced sick pay of up to 13 weeks (after probation)
• Pension scheme
• Policies and practices that promote a healthy work-life balance and wellbeing

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