Cook Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL); Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Refer a friend bonus

Career progression

Vivup discounts

EAP & Financial support

DBS paid by employer

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is seeking a part-time Cook Manager based at Saffron Green Primary School. You will lead the school kitchen team, plan menus, and ensure high standards of hygiene and safety.

Role requires hands-on leadership, budget awareness, and the ability to manage stock and records while delivering nutritious meals within term-time schedules.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a kitchen team in a school or similar environment.
• Strong planning and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage 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 school community.
• Maintain records (HACCP, temperature checks, audits).
• Inspire and develop your team to grow and thrive.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

IT systems

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

Tools

Catering IT systems

Job description

Cook Manager based at Saffron Green Primary School 27.5 Hours

At HCL SAFEGUARDING IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

The safety of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.

About us:

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.

As a

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)
• Inspiring and developing your team, creating an environment where people grow and thrive

About the Ideal

Cook Manager:

• Committed to safeguarding children and young people
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable
• 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
• Proficient in IT systems used within catering and kitchen operations

Salary: £13.22 per hour (£15,996 per annum)

Schedule: Term Time Only - Enjoy all School Holidays off

• Uniform provided
• Rewards: Spread the Word & Earn Up to £500 - Refer a Friend! (T&Cs apply)
• Succeed with us: Career progression opportunities
• Exclusive discounts: via VIVUP for supermarkets, cinemas, retail, dining, hotels, and family activities
• Wellbeing matters: Support through EAP & Financial Support via Stream
• Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS Disclosure paid by HCL - No Cost to You