At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school kitchen, preparing fresh meals and managing daily operations.
- Company: Join HCL, serving over 16 million meals annually with a focus on quality.
- 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 real difference in students' lives by providing nutritious meals every day.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership experience and passion for food are 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.
School Kitchen Manager: Lead Fresh Meals (Term-Time) in London 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, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. With career progression opportunities, exclusive discounts, and a commitment to employee growth, HCL is an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in children's dining experiences.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Kitchen Manager: Lead Fresh Meals (Term-Time) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Coppetts Wood Primary School. Understand their values and how they approach food and nutrition. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so think about examples from your past where you've inspired or developed others. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to create a thriving kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss food safety and hygiene. Since compliance is key in this role, brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management. You might get asked specific questions, so showing that you're well-informed will definitely work in your favour.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining HCL. Don’t miss out on the chance to kickstart your Cook Manager career with us!
We think you need these skills to ace School Kitchen Manager: Lead Fresh Meals (Term-Time) in London
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 looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about making a difference in children's lives through food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in managing and inspiring others. Share examples of how you've motivated a team or improved kitchen operations in the past – we love to see that!
Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to the details in your application. Mention your knowledge of food safety regulations, stock control, and budget management. We appreciate candidates who understand the importance of compliance and quality in a school kitchen setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at HCL. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Kitchen Operations
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day kitchen operations that you'll be managing. Be ready to discuss how you would lead a team, ensure food safety, and maintain high standards of hygiene. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Fresh Meals
Prepare to talk about your passion for delivering fresh, nutritious meals. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully created menus or catered to special dietary requirements. This will highlight your dedication to providing an excellent dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of specific instances where you've motivated and developed a team. Discuss your leadership style and how you inspire others to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is crucial for a Cook Manager role, so make sure to convey your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Be Prepared for Compliance Questions
Brush up on food safety regulations, allergen management, and HACCP procedures. Be ready to answer questions about how you would ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will show that you take safeguarding seriously and are knowledgeable about the standards expected in a school setting.
