Cook Manager Scott Primary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL); Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Refer a Friend £500

Career progression opportunities

Exclusive discounts via VIVUP

EAP & Financial Support

DBS disclosure paid by employer

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is seeking a Cook Manager for Scott Primary to lead daily kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals, manage stock and budgets, and ensure food safety and allergen controls. This is a term-time only, 30-hour role with uniform provided.

The Cook Manager will develop the team, maintain HACCP records, monitor quality, and build strong relationships with staff and pupils while DBS is paid by HCL.

Qualifications

• Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Ensure safe, nutritious meals with accurate portion control.
• Maintain HACCP records and temperature checks.
• Develop a high-performing kitchen team.

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

Kitchen leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen management

Team development

Education

NVQ Level 2

NVQ Level 3

Job description

Cook Manager based at Scott Primary 30 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: £14.68 per hour (£19,381 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

If you're passionate, driven and ready to grow, we'd love to hear from you. Take the first step and

Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.