Mobile Cook Manager

HCL; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining Bonus £1000

Mileage reimbursement 55p/mile

Term time only – holidays off

Uniform provided

Career progression opportunities

EAP & wellbeing support

Job summary

HCL is recruiting a Mobile Cook Manager to travel between South Stevenage, Welwyn, Hatfield and surrounding areas. You will lead and manage daily kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals, and oversee stock, budgeting, and records to ensure high standards in a school dining environment.

You must have Food Hygiene Level 2, with NVQ Level 2/3 desirable, and a proven leadership ability to motivate a high-performing team while upholding safeguarding and hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a kitchen/food service setting.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and school food standards.
• Ability to manage budgets, stock, and kitchen operations.
• Allergen management and catering for dietary requirements.

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.
• Build positive relationships with staff, students, and the school community.
• Maintain records (e.g. HACCP, temperature checks, audits).
• Inspire and develop the team to grow and thrive.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen management

Planning & time management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3 desirable

Job description

Mobile Cook Manager based at South Stevenage/Welwyn/Hatfield and surrounding areas.

About us:

At HCL SAFEGUARDING IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. The safety of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. 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.

Let's talk about the role of a Mobile Cook Manager:

• Flexible to travel to primary & secondary schools to provide support services as required
• 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 Mobile 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

Essential Vehicle Requirements:

• Full valid driving licence
• Business insurance
• Valid MOT and road tax
• Access to your own vehicle

Why join us?

• Joining Bonus: £1000! (T&C apply)
• Salary: £15.85 per hour (£19,178 per annum)
• Mileage Reimbursement: 55p Per Mile
• 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&C 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.