Cook Manager

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Cook Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations and manage a team in our school catering service. You will plan menus, ensure fresh, nutritious meals, and monitor portions and quality to deliver an excellent dining experience.

With Food Hygiene Level 2 and a focus on allergens, you will oversee stock, ordering and budgeting while maintaining HACCP records and compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Lead 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 motivate a high-performing kitchen team.
• Plan and portion meals for school catering.
• Oversee ordering, stock levels and budget adherence.
• Ensure all hygiene, safety and HACCP standards are followed.
• Monitor meal quality, presentation and portion control.
• Communicate allergen information and accommodate dietary needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Stock control

Food safety knowledge

Allergen awareness

Time management

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

Cook Manager, you won't just run a kitchen - you'll be hands on leading 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)
  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 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.