Cook Manager Margaret Wix

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL); St Albans; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

DBS disclosure paid by HCL

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is seeking a Cook Manager based at Margaret Wix Primary School for a 27.5-hour week. You will lead kitchen operations, deliver nutritious meals, manage budgets and stock, and ensure food safety and allergen controls. Term-time schedule means holidays off.

You will develop a high-performing team, maintain HACCP records, and work closely with school staff to provide an excellent dining experience for pupils.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in kitchen environments.
• Strong budgeting and stock control capabilities.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene and school standards.
• Allergen awareness and ability to cater for dietary needs.
• Proficiency with catering IT systems and records (HACCP logs).
• Organised with good planning and time management skills.

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 dietary requirements.
• Build positive relationships with staff, students and the school community.
• Maintain HACCP records and audits.
• Inspire and develop the team to grow and thrive.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

IT systems

Time management

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

Cook Manager based at Margaret Wix Primary School 27.5 Hours

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
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable
• 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

Salary: £13.22 per hour (£15,996 per annum)

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

Exclusive 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