At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading caterer serving over 16 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Earn £17.55 per hour, enjoy weekends off, and receive a £1000 joining bonus!
- Other info: Enjoy career progression, exclusive discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through delicious, healthy food.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership experience preferred.
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.
Role Overview
As a Chef Manager, you will lead the preparation and service of fresh, nutritious meals, ensuring students and staff enjoy high-quality food and excellent service every day.
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)
- Inspiring and developing your team, creating an environment where people grow and thrive
Ideal Candidate
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Joining Bonus: £1000! (T&Cs apply)
- Salary: £17.55 per hour (£31,654 per annum)
- Hours: 40 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 Chef Manager career with HCL starts here.
School Chef Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
At HCL, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive work environment for our Chef Managers, where your passion for delivering fresh, nutritious meals can truly shine. With a focus on employee growth, we offer career progression opportunities, a generous joining bonus, and the benefit of enjoying all school holidays off, allowing for a perfect work-life balance. Join us in London, where safeguarding children is our top priority, and be part of a team that values your contributions and well-being.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
