School Kitchen Manager: Lead Team, Nutritious Meals & Compliance

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Cook Manager to lead the school kitchen, shaping culture and setting the standard for quality and service that students rely on daily.

You will manage daily operations, oversee stock and budgets, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and develop a high-performing team delivering nutritious meals to pupils while maintaining rigorous HACCP records.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate is required.
• NVQ Level 2/3 is highly desirable.
• Passionate about delivering fresh, nutritious meals.

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).

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Time management

Team motivation

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2/3 desirable

Job description

Hertfordshire Catering Limited is seeking a Cook Manager to lead the school kitchen, shaping culture and setting the standard for quality and service that students rely on daily.

You will manage daily operations, oversee stock and budgets, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and develop a high-performing team delivering nutritious meals to pupils while maintaining rigorous HACCP records.