Cook Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Baldock; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Cook Manager to lead a school kitchen, ensuring high standards of nutrition, hygiene, and service. You will manage the team, oversee budgets, and maintain HACCP records to support a safe dining environment.

The role requires strong leadership, organisational skills, and a proactive approach to delivering fresh meals in a fast-paced environment. Experience in school catering and Food Hygiene Level 2 is essential.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a catering team in a school environment.

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 HACCP records, temperature checks, audits.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Time management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

Cook Manager, you won't just run a kitchen - you'll be hands on leading the team, shaping the culture and setting the standard for quality and service that your school will depend on every day. Let's talk about the role of a Cook 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) 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 SAFEGUARDING IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. The safety of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do., 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.