Cook Manager

HCL; Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus £1000 (T&Cs)

Uniform provided

Refer a friend bonus

Career progression

VIVUP discounts

EAP & Financial Support

Enhanced DBS paid by HCL

Job summary

HCL invites applications for a Cook Manager at Saffron Green Primary School. The role combines hands-on kitchen leadership with team development to deliver fresh, nutritious meals during term time.

You will manage schedules, budgets and maintain high standards of hygiene to ensure a safe, enjoyable dining experience for pupils and staff. With a 27.5 hour week, no weekends or late nights, this position supports safeguarding and offers opportunities for progression within our school catering

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Prepare and deliver nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Control stock, orders and budget management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health & safety rules.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Time management

Team development

Allergen awareness

Record keeping

HACCP

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

NVQ Level 2/3

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

• 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

Why join us?

• Joining Bonus: £1000! (T&Cs apply)

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

• Hours: 27.5 hours per week - No Weekends, No Late Nights

• 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

If you're passionate, driven and ready to grow, we'd love to hear from you.