Chef Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Stotfold; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Chef Manager to lead daily kitchen operations within our school catering program. You will prepare fresh, nutritious meals, manage budgets, stock and ensure HACCP and safety compliance while delivering outstanding dining experiences for students and staff.

As a proactive leader you will develop your team, monitor quality and portions, and foster strong relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operations
• Prepare, and deliver fresh, nutritious meals
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and budget management
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control
• Manage allergen awareness and cater for special dietary requirements
• Build positive relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community
• Maintain accurate records (e.g. HACCP, temperature checks, audits)
• Inspiring and developing your team, creating an environment where people grow and thrive

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Team development

Stock control

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

Chef Manager, you will lead the preparation and service of fresh, nutritious meals, ensuring students and staff enjoy high-quality food and excellent service every day. Let's talk about the role of a Chef Manager:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operations
• Prepare, and deliver fresh, nutritious meals
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and budget management
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control
• Manage allergen awareness and cater for special dietary requirements
• Build positive relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community
• Maintain accurate records (e.g. HACCP, temperature checks, audits)
• Inspiring and developing your team, creating an environment where people grow and thrive
  Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate (required)
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable
• Passionate about delivering fresh, nutritious meals
• An experienced leader who can motivate and develop a high-performing team
• Well-organised, with strong planning and time management skills
• Confident managing budgets, stock, and kitchen operations
• Knowledgeable in food safety, allergens, and school food standards
• Committed to maintaining high standards of hygiene and compliance
• Proactive, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience every day
  At HCL, we're more than just a caterer. We proudly serve over 16 million meals a year, delivering outstanding dining experiences across schools and the commercial sector.