Cook Manager Saffron Green

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL); Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Refer a Friend bonus

Career progression

VIVUP discounts

Wellbeing support

DBS paid by employer

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is seeking a Cook Manager to lead a school kitchen team, delivering nutritious meals and maintaining high food safety standards. You will manage day-to-day operations, budgeting, stock control, and allergen management while developing your team in a fast-paced school environment.

This role is term-time only, with a wage of £13.22 per hour. Uniform provided and DBS checks supported by HCL, with career progression opportunities and exclusive staff discounts.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Team leadership

Budget management

Stock control

Food safety

HACCP

Allergen awareness

Time management

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

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

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