At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, prepare nutritious meals, and ensure food safety standards.
- Company: Join HCL, serving over 16 million meals annually in schools.
- Benefits: Earn £14.99 per hour, enjoy school holidays off, and receive a joining bonus of £1000!
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and exclusive discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through delicious, healthy meals every day.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership experience preferred.
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 no weekends or late nights, and the opportunity for career progression. With benefits like a joining bonus, exclusive discounts, and a focus on employee wellbeing, HCL is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.
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 environment! Visit Coppetts Wood Primary School if you can, or at least research their values and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education forums. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school, plus it shows your commitment to building relationships within the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Cook Manager, you might be asked to demonstrate your cooking skills or how you manage a kitchen. Brush up on your culinary techniques and think about how you would handle various kitchen scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through. We want to see that you're not just a cook, but someone who genuinely cares about the quality of food and the dining experience for students.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past – we love to see that!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Talk about your day-to-day responsibilities, especially those related to food safety, budget management, and kitchen operations. This helps us understand how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food safety knowledge and kitchen management skills. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with hygiene regulations and manage allergens, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated staff or improved kitchen operations. This will show that you're not just a cook but a true Cook Manager.
✨Connect with the School Community
Research Coppetts Wood Primary School and think about how you can build positive relationships with staff and students. Mention any ideas you have for engaging with the school community through food.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling specific situations, like managing dietary requirements or dealing with a busy lunch service. Practise your responses so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
