Cook Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Joining Bonus: £1000

Uniform provided

Refer a Friend bonus

Job summary

HCL is seeking a Cook Manager at St Peters CofE Primary School in Chorleywood for 27.5 hours per week during term time. You will lead the kitchen, deliver nutritious meals, manage stock and budgets, and ensure strict food safety and allergen controls while engaging staff and pupils.

Ideal candidates show safeguarding commitment, Food Hygiene Level 2, and leadership ability to develop a high-performing team in a school environment.

Qualifications

• Cook Manager leading day-to-day kitchen operations and ensuring high standards.
• Responsible for fresh, nutritious meals and budgeting.
• Strong focus on food safety, HACCP records and allergies.
• Committed to safeguarding and compliance within a school setting.

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

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

NVQ Level 2/3

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.

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

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.