Cook Manager

HCL; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus

Refer a friend

Uniform provided

Term-time schedule

No weekends

No late nights

Job summary

HCL is hiring a Cook Manager at Walkern Primary School to lead daily kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals and manage stock, budgets and records such as HACCP.

You'll safeguard children, supervise a team, and work in a fast-paced school environment during term time only. The role offers 27.5 hours per week with a salary of £13.22/hour (£15,996/year), plus benefits and opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is desirable.
• Committed to safeguarding children.

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

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Team development

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate (required)

NVQ Level 2/3 (desirable)

Job description

Cook Manager based at Walkern Primary School 27.5hpw

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

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
• Excusive 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.