Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the school meals service and prepare nutritious meals for students.
- Company: HCL is a leader in educational catering, serving over 16 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1,000 joining bonus and term-time only contract with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to quality food and making a difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Catering experience preferred; Food Hygiene Level 2 is a plus but training is available.
- Other info: DBS checks are required, and we promote a positive school community.
The predicted salary is between 15700 - 22000 £ per year.
Joining Bonus £1,000 (T&C Apply). The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.
Rate of Pay per Annum: £19,788
Contract type: Term time only
Job Requirement:
- All candidates will be subject to a DBS check in accordance with Safeguarding regulations (DBS Checks will be paid by HCL).
- All candidates must have a valid right to work in the UK.
Who we are:
HCL is a trusted leader in educational catering, serving over 16 million meals annually to children across schools. We are looking for a Cook Manager to play a key role in delivering high-quality meal services to students in Bromham School. In this role, you will oversee and manage the school meals service, ensuring that children receive nutritious, well-prepared meals. A strong understanding of Health and Safety standards, along with exceptional hygiene practices and a tidy professional appearance, is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook meals, including catering for special dietary needs.
- Oversee cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen and dining areas.
- Manage stocktaking and ordering of supplies.
- Maintain and monitor budgets effectively.
- Ensure compliance with the Food Safety Management System.
- Adhere to all Health & Safety regulations.
- Serve meals to students and staff.
- Utilise IT systems for daily operations.
- Foster positive relationships within the school community.
- Motivate, develop, and support staff to reach their full potential.
Ideal candidate:
- Passionate about food and delivering quality meals.
- Previous catering experience is preferred.
- Proven ability to manage and inspire a team.
- Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification (preferred, but training can be provided).
- Strong understanding of health and safety practices.
- Excellent timekeeping and reliability.
- Proficient in IT and comfortable using technology.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
At HCL, we are passionate about food. We care about our customers. We aim to deliver something special. We are stronger together. We are socially responsible.
Cook Manager employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of children and how to cater for them. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing quality meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of Health and Safety standards in a kitchen environment. Being able to discuss these confidently during your interview will show that you take food safety seriously.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills will be crucial, as the role requires motivating and developing staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Research HCL and their approach to educational catering. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to align your answers with what they are looking for in a Cook Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and management. Emphasise any previous roles where you prepared meals, managed a team, or adhered to health and safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your commitment to delivering quality meals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen and inspire a team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification, be sure to mention it. If not, express your willingness to undergo training. Also, include any other relevant certifications or training related to health and safety.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, ensure your application is well-written and free of errors. You might also want to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with staff or students in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and providing quality meals. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and how it drives you in your work.
✨Demonstrate Team Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired a team in the past. Discuss your approach to motivating staff and fostering a positive work environment, as this is crucial for the Cook Manager role.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Health and Safety
Be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety standards in a kitchen environment. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your Food Hygiene Level 2, and how you ensure compliance with regulations.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about meal preparation, catering for special dietary needs, and managing budgets. Think through scenarios where you had to solve problems in these areas and be prepared to share your thought process.
