At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team 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 all school holidays off.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and exclusive discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through quality dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership skills and passion for food essential.
The predicted salary is between 18137 - 18137 £ per year.
Cook Manager based at Coppetts Wood Primary School - 27.5hpw. Ideally live 5 miles from the school.
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.
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)
- Inspire and develop 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: £14.99 per hour (£18,137 per annum)
- Hours: 27.5 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. Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
At HCL, we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children while delivering over 16 million meals annually across schools. As a Cook Manager at Coppetts Wood Primary School, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values your leadership and culinary skills, with opportunities for career progression and exclusive employee discounts. With no weekends or late nights, and all school holidays off, this role offers a perfect work-life balance for those passionate about providing nutritious meals in an educational environment.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Coppetts Wood Primary School. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your kitchen skills! If you get the chance, bring up specific examples of how you've led a team or improved kitchen operations in the past. We want to hear about your passion for delivering fresh, nutritious meals and how you can inspire others to do the same.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss food safety! Since compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations is crucial, brush up on your knowledge of these areas. Share how you've managed allergen awareness and catered for special dietary requirements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, ask about the team you'll be working with and how they support each other. This shows that you're not just focused on the job but also on building positive relationships within the school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through. We want to see that you care about the quality of food and the dining experience for students.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your previous kitchen management experience. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and manage operations effectively, so share any relevant roles you've had that showcase your leadership skills.
Be Specific About Skills:Mention specific skills that align with the job description, like food safety knowledge or budget management. We love seeing candidates who understand the importance of compliance and can handle the fast-paced environment of a school kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on your journey to becoming a Cook Manager with HCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss how you would manage day-to-day tasks, oversee stock control, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This shows you're not just a cook but a leader who understands the full scope of the role.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Nutrition
Since the role focuses on delivering fresh, nutritious meals, be prepared to talk about your approach to meal preparation and how you cater to special dietary requirements. Share examples of how you've created healthy menus in the past to demonstrate your commitment to quality dining experiences.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll need to inspire and develop your team. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led a team or improved kitchen culture. Discuss your strategies for motivating staff and ensuring high performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Safeguarding
Given that safeguarding is a top priority, come prepared with questions about how the school implements these practices. This shows your commitment to child safety and your understanding of its importance in a school environment. It also opens up a dialogue about your values aligning with theirs.
