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.
- 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
- 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
Joining Bonus: £1000! (T&Cs apply)
Salary: £14.68 per hour (£19,381 per annum)
Hours: 30 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
Excusive 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 your Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.
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