Mobile Cook Manager

HCL; St Albans; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus

Mileage reimbursement

Term time schedule

Uniform provided

DBS paid by employer

Career progression

Exclusive discounts

Wellbeing support

Job summary

HCL is seeking a Mobile Cook Manager in St Albans and surrounding areas. You will lead school kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals, and manage budgets while traveling between sites. This role emphasizes safeguarding and hands-on leadership to maintain high standards of service.

The ideal candidate will have Food Hygiene Level 2, strong planning skills, and a proven ability to develop a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a school kitchen and managing budgets.

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

Skills

Team leadership

Time management

Budget management

Food safety knowledge

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

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.

Mobile Cook Manager based at St Albans and surrounding areas - 27.5 hpw

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

As a Mobile 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 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&Cs 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&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.