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Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL); Tring; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Ltd (HCL) seeks a Deputy Group Chef to manage mobile kitchens across Hemel Hempstead, Tring, and Aylesbury. This field-based role reports to the Group Chef and supports staffing, food safety, and site transitions.

You will lead a mobile workforce, ensure high standards of food quality and allergen control, and help with recruitment and onboarding. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are required; 35-hour weeks with term-time plus one week days.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or kitchen manager across multiple sites.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and allergens.
• Organised and adaptable, able to work across locations.
• Willingness to travel and hold a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with workforce planning and deployment for mobile kitchens.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and staff development.
• Provide hands-on kitchen support and maintain quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, H&S, and allergen management.
• Support new site set-ups and transitions across sites.

Skills

Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager

Strong leadership

Food safety knowledge

Organised, adaptable

Customer service orientation

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Deputy Group Chef Hemel Hempstead Tring Aylesbury

Location: Field-based across Hemel Hempstead Tring Aylesbury with Head Office based at Mundells, Welwyn Garden City

Salary:£17.55 per hour (£27,268 per annum)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Schedule:Term Time Only plus 1 week days (39 weeks)

Reports to: Group Chef

HCL are leading contract caterers with a focus on school feeding. We have a commitment to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and engaging food experiences for children and staff across our primary schools, secondary schools, and commercial sites. We pride ourselves on our dynamic culture and our commitment to excellence.

The Deputy Group Chef plays a critical role in ensuring kitchens remain fully staffed, operational, and deliver high-quality food and service safely across multiple education sites. This position supports the Group Chef by managing the mobile workforce, supporting compliance with food safety and operational standards, and assisting with kitchen mobilisations and community engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities for Deputy Group Chef

Workforce Planning & Deployment

Assist with the deployment of a mobile catering team, to ensure kitchens remain fully staffed. Help plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work alongside with Group Chef to anticipate staffing needs.

People Management

Work in partnership with the Group Chef to support and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities. Assist with training, performance, and absence management, ensuring HR compliance.

Operational Support

Provide hands-on kitchen support when needed, maintain food quality standards, and monitor performance (food cost, labour, waste). Support site engagement activities and digital systems.

Compliance & Safety Ensure high standards in Food Safety, Health & Safety, and allergen management across all sites.

Recruitment & Retention Assist with the recruitment and retention of mobile team members, contributing to wider site recruitment and engagement initiatives.

Assist with new site set-ups and transitions, including equipment, onboarding, and systems implementation.

About You as a Deputy Group Chef

• Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager (multi-site/mobile preferred)


• Strong leadership and team management skills


• Solid knowledge of food safety, H&S, and allergens


• Organised, adaptable, and able to work across multiple locations


• Passionate about food quality and customer service


• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel