A little bit about us
Looking for a job that actually makes a difference - and fits into your day-to-day routine?
At The Lunch Bag, we deliver healthy, hot school meals to children across Ireland. We're the country’s leading school meal provider, and we’re on a mission to help children build healthy habits for life.
We’re changing children’s lives, one lunch at a time. Are you flexible, bubbly, and keen to bring a little extra joy to the school day? We’re looking for people who want to help us keep driving forward and doing something great. Bonus? You’re off when the schools are!
So, what’s the job?
We’re on the hunt for a Hot Drop Operative (Temporary Maternity Cover) – someone reliable, cheerful and hardworking who takes pride in doing things right.
This is a temporary maternity cover position. You will be covering for an existing team member who will be on maternity leave. As a result, this is a temporary role, which will end when the employee returns.
Think of yourself as the final link in the lunch chain. All meals are prepared in our headquarters in Nenagh, Tipperary, and then delivered to our Hot Drop locations. It’s from there that you’ll take over!
Your duties will involve heating the meals, loading them into a company van and delivering them to local schools, making sure every child receives their lunch on time.
If you’re a detail addict and thought this was a little vague, here’s a list for you:
Load pre-packaged school meals into ovens.
Turn on ovens and heat meals to the required temperatures according to HACCP guidelines.
Unload ovens and load meals into company vans.
Drive the lunches in a company vehicle to local schools.
Ensure adequate stock levels.
Follow and maintain work and cleaning schedules.
Maintain temperature and cleaning records.
HACCP and Manual Handling Training will be provided.
What we’re looking for
Since you’ll be representing The Lunch Bag, we’re looking for doers – people who are sound, good-natured and genuinely care about doing a good job.
We’re not asking for bodybuilders, but you do need to be able to lift 14kg boxes as part of the job. You may also need to climb some stairs – not every facility in Ireland has a lift!
Working to provide meals for children is really rewarding – their cute little faces can brighten your day... just don’t let them get hungry or they’ll turn into tiny monsters!
We’re looking for someone who can work quickly, stay calm under pressure and still do things properly.
If you've worked in food preparation, catering or deliveries before, that's great! If not, don't let it put you off – we'll provide the necessary training.
All you need is the ability to read English, follow instructions, hold a full clean Irish driving licence, and heat and deliver each lunch with care.
We’re looking for cheerful people who enjoy being out and about. Teleportation would make life easier, but until that arrives, we need drivers who are happy to take a roughly one-hour trip to deliver meals to local schools.
I still have questions actually…
No problem! We’re here to answer them.
When will I work?
This position is offered on a part-time basis, Monday through Friday, for 5 hours per day!
Typical start times would be around 8:30am, with some flexibility required as start times may be slightly earlier or later.
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary maternity cover position.
You will be covering for an existing Hot Drop Operative while they are on maternity leave. The position will remain in place until the employee returns to work.
Will I have to work all year long?
No! As schools close for the summer, we follow the academic calendar.
Our roles operate during school terms, meaning you'll have school holidays off.
Eligible employees may apply for the Education Sector Worker Payment through the Department of Social Protection during the summer months.
What benefits do I get by joining The Lunch Bag?
Well, for starters – a genuinely supportive team who’ve got your back!
The role is ideal if you're looking for part-time work during school hours, enjoy being out and about, and want to make a positive difference.
Although this is a temporary position, you'll still be part of a team working towards something great – making sure children across Ireland receive healthy, hot school meals every day.
How much is it paid?
It’s THE question everybody is asking!
The same way we take care of the children in schools, we take care of our people.
You will earn €14.65 per hour.
Interested?
If you're looking for a temporary role that fits around the school day and you'd love to be part of The Lunch Bag team, we'd be delighted to hear from you!
Apply today!