School Cook Manager Fairfield Park Ruskin Drive Primary

Hertfordshire Catering; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 17,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational catering company in Hitchin is seeking a School Cook Manager to lead the kitchen team and deliver healthy, nutritious meals. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing menus, ensuring food hygiene standards are met, managing stock and budgets, and fostering a positive environment for staff and students. A passion for fresh ingredients and experience in educational catering is essential. Competitive pay of £13.62 per hour and great work-life balance.

Benefits

£1,000 Joining Bonus

Recommend a Friend scheme

Learning opportunities for development

VIVUP discount scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in educational catering or similar environment.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification, training available if needed.
• Strong understanding of health and safety in the kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu and cater for special dietary needs.
• Ensure food hygiene and health & safety standards are met.
• Manage stock control, place orders, and budgets.
• Lead and develop your team.
• Build relationships with staff and students.

Skills

Experience in educational catering

Food Hygiene Level 2 certification

Strong understanding of health and safety

Self-starter with initiative

Passion for fresh, quality ingredients

Job description

School Cook Manager - Fairfield Park School 27.5hpw - Term Time Only.

As a School Cook Manager, you'll be at the heart of the kitchen, managing and inspiring your team to deliver fresh, tasty nutritious meals and outstanding service every day.

About us

HCL is an established and successful educational specialist caterer, providing over 16 million meals each year across our schools and commercial sector. Our mission extends beyond simply providing meals; we are committed to crafting outstanding dining experiences that meet the diverse needs of our customers.

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be carried out by the company.

Responsibilities for a School Cook Manager

• Prepare the menu using the recipes provided, including catering for special dietary needs
• Ensure food hygiene, allergens, and health & safety standards are always met
• Stock control, place orders, and manage the budgets
• Lead and support your team, helping them grow and do their best
• Build positive relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community

About you

• Experience in educational catering or similar environment and a passion for working with fresh, quality ingredients
• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification, with further training available if needed
• Strong understanding of health and safety in a kitchen environment
• A self starter who can take initiative, drive results, and motivate and develop your team
• Eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the school community

Why Join HCL as a School Cook Manager

• £1,000 Joining Bonus (T&C Apply)
• £13.62 per hour (£16,489 per annum)
• 27.5 hours per week
• Term time only (Great work‑life balance)

Other HCL Benefits

• Recommend a Friend (Get rewarded up to £500 every time you introduce people to us) T&C's apply
• Learning opportunities for personal and professional development within the company
• VIVUP discount scheme for supermarkets, cinemas, retail, dining, hotels, and family activities.

Join our dedicated team at HCL delivering healthy, nutritious meals that make a real difference every day - click Apply Now for this exciting School Cook Manager role!