At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mobile catering team to ensure top-notch food service across multiple education sites.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading contract caterer focused on nutritious school meals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with travel opportunities and a focus on food safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through quality food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Kitchen Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Deputy Group Chef
The Deputy Group Chef plays a critical role in ensuring kitchens remain fully staffed, operational, and deliver high-quality food and service safely across multiple education sites.
This position supports the Group Chef by managing the mobile workforce, supporting compliance with food safety and operational standards, and assisting with kitchen mobilisations and community engagement activities.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the deployment of a mobile catering team to maintain kitchen staffing.
- Plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work with the Group Chef to anticipate staffing needs.
- Support and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities.
- Assist with training, performance appraisal and absence management, ensuring HR compliance.
- Provide hands‑on kitchen support when required, maintaining food quality standards.
- Monitor performance metrics such as food cost, labour and waste.
- Support site engagement activities and digital systems.
- Ensure high standards in Food Safety, Health & Safety and allergen management across all sites.
- Assist with recruitment and retention of mobile team members and contribute to wider site recruitment initiatives.
- Support new site set‑ups and transitions, including equipment, onboarding and systems implementation.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager with multi‑site/mobile experience preferred.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Solid knowledge of food safety, Health & Safety and allergens.
- Organised, adaptable and able to work across multiple locations.
- Passionate about food quality and customer service.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
- Company Overview
HCL are leading contract caterers with a focus on school feeding, committed to delivering high‑quality, nutritious and engaging food experiences for children and staff across primary schools, secondary schools and commercial sites.
We pride ourselves on a dynamic culture and a commitment to excellence.
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Deputy Group Chef in Reading employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited
As a Chef Manager at our school, you will be part of a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing young minds through healthy eating. We offer a supportive work culture that values teamwork and creativity, alongside opportunities for professional growth in the culinary field. With a focus on fresh ingredients and excellent customer service, you'll find your role both meaningful and rewarding in shaping the dietary habits of future generations.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited Recruitment Team
