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 term-time hours, 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 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) 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 in creating nutritious dining experiences, with no weekends or late nights, allowing for a perfect 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 the lives of students.
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)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Coppetts Wood Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows your genuine interest and helps you connect better during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fresh meals! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples of how you've delivered nutritious meals in the past. This will resonate with HCL's commitment to quality dining experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss team leadership! Think of times when you've inspired or developed your team. HCL values strong leaders, so share stories that showcase your ability to motivate and create a thriving kitchen culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the school's dining programme. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace School Kitchen Manager: Lead Fresh Meals (Term-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, nutritious meals shine through. Talk about your experience in the kitchen and how you can inspire others to create amazing dining experiences.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed a team in the past – we want to see how you can shape our kitchen culture!
Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to the details in your application. Mention your knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management. This shows us that you take compliance seriously and are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
✨Know Your Kitchen Operations
Make sure you understand the day-to-day kitchen operations and be ready to discuss how you would manage them. Think about your experience with stock control, budgeting, and food safety regulations, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Fresh Meals
Be prepared to talk about your passion for delivering fresh, nutritious meals. Share examples of how you've successfully created menus or catered to special dietary requirements in the past. This will show your commitment to quality and service.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll need to inspire and develop your team. Think of specific instances where you've motivated staff or improved team performance. Highlight your leadership style and how you create a positive work environment.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a top priority, be ready to discuss your understanding of child safety and how you ensure a safe dining experience for students. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, like your Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate.
