Cook Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Needingworth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is recruiting an experienced kitchen leader to head the day-to-day operations in our school and commercial kitchens.

You will deliver fresh, nutritious meals, manage budgets, stock, and compliance with food safety standards, HACCP, and audits. The role requires inspiring your team and ensuring high dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a kitchen team in a school or similar environment is essential.

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).

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Planning & time management

Allergen awareness

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

Job description

• 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 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 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.