Cook Manager

HCL; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus £1000

Uniform provided

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

VIVUP discounts

EAP & wellbeing support

DBS paid by employer

Job summary

HCL is recruiting a Cook Manager for Oaklands Primary School in Welwyn Garden City. You will lead a school kitchen, deliver nutritious meals, and ensure high standards of safety and hygiene. The role is term-time and part-time, with a 27.5-hour week and a starting hourly rate of £13.22.

The post includes safeguarding responsibilities, budget oversight, and opportunities for career progression within our school catering teams. Uniforms are provided and DBS checks are paid by HCL.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a school kitchen is preferred.

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).
• Inspire and develop your team to grow and thrive.

Skills

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Team leadership

Budget management

Record keeping (HACCP)

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

Cook Manager based at Oaklands 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.