Cook Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Cook Manager to lead a school kitchen team and deliver nutritious meals daily. You will oversee operations, manage stock and budgets, and ensure HACCP compliance in a fast-paced school setting.

The role requires a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate and experience in team leadership, with a focus on delivering high-quality dining experiences for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.

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 dietary requirements.
• Build relationships with staff, students and the school community.
• Maintain records (HACCP, temperature checks, audits).

Skills

Food safety

Staff leadership

Budget management

Time management

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) 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 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.