At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join HCL, serving over 16 million meals annually in schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, no weekends, and all school holidays off.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and exclusive discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 required; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31654 - 31654 £ per year.
Chef Manager at Newman Catholic College - 40 Hours per week
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 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.
Let’s talk about the role of a Chef 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 Chef 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: £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 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 Chef Manager at Newman Catholic College, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers career progression opportunities, and provides a generous joining bonus along with exclusive discounts. With no weekends or late nights, and all school holidays off, this role allows you to thrive both professionally and personally in a fulfilling environment.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Chef Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to kitchen management and food safety. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for food and nutrition during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've created fresh, nutritious meals in the past. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the dining experience!
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about delivering high-quality food and creating a great dining experience for students and staff.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Tell us about times you've motivated and developed a team, and how you create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Be Detail-Oriented:We’re all about compliance and safety, so don’t forget to mention your knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management. Include any relevant certifications like your Food Hygiene Level 2, as these details matter to us!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research current trends in school meals, including dietary requirements and allergen management. This shows your passion for delivering nutritious food and your commitment to student safety.
✨Showcase 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. Being able to demonstrate your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety, hygiene, and health regulations relevant to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This is crucial for the role and will highlight your professionalism and attention to detail.
✨Engage with the School Community
Think about how you can build positive relationships with students and staff. Prepare ideas on how to involve them in menu planning or gather feedback. Showing that you value community engagement will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares.
