At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create delicious, nutritious meals for students.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading caterer serving over 16 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, joining bonus, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: No weekends or late nights; enjoy school holidays off!
- 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, safeguarding is our number one priority. The safety of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.
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.
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.
School 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.
