Cook Manager

HCL; Chorleywood; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus

Uniform provided

Refer a Friend bonus

Career progression opportunities

Exclusive discounts

Job summary

HCL is seeking a Cook Manager for St Peters CofE Primary School to lead daily kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals, and manage stock and budgets. The role emphasizes safeguarding and high standards of hygiene within a term-time schedule.

The ideal candidate will have a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate, strong leadership, and the ability to motivate a high-performing team in a fast-paced school catering environment.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Committed to safeguarding children and young people.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent budgeting, stock control and menu planning 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 the wider school community.
• Maintain accurate records (HACCP, temperature checks, audits).
• Inspiring and developing your team, creating an environment where people grow and thrive.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Budget management

Record keeping

Team development

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3 desirable

Tools

Kitchen IT systems

Job description

Cook Manager based at St Peters CofE 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
• Proficient in IT systems used within catering and kitchen operations

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. Your Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.