Cook Manager Weston Primary School

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

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Rewards: Refer a Friend up to £500 (T&

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) is seeking a Cook Manager to lead the school kitchen, ensuring nutritious meals are prepared and delivered daily. You will oversee stock, budgets, HACCP records, and food safety compliance while developing a high-performing team and maintaining strong relationships with staff and students.

The role operates on a Term Time Only schedule with uniform provided, DBS checks paid by HCL, and opportunities for progression within the company.

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.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience every day.

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

Budgeting

Food safety

Team development

Time management

Allergen awareness

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

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.

Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.