At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team and create delicious, nutritious meals for students.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading caterer serving millions of meals annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1000 joining bonus, competitive pay, and school holidays off.
- Other info: Great career progression and exclusive discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through food and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 14.68 - 14.68 £ per hour.
Cook Manager based at Civitas Academy Primary School 30hpw
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.
As a 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 Cook Manager:
- 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 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
Why join us?
- Joining Bonus: £1000! (T&Cs apply)
- Salary: £14.68 per hour (£19,381 per annum)
- Hours: 30 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. Take the first step and apply online - your Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.
Cook Manager in Reading employer: HCL
HCL is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role as a Catering Assistant at St Andrews School, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and young people. With a commitment to employee growth through training opportunities and a focus on work-life balance with term-time hours, HCL ensures that staff feel valued and rewarded, including benefits like a generous referral scheme. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to crafting outstanding dining experiences in a vibrant school environment.
