Cook Manager at St Andrew's Primary

About the role

Cook Manager based at St Andrew's Church of England (VA) Primary School & Nursery 27.5hpw
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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) 

• Inspiring and developing 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: £13.76 per hour (£16,654 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   

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 apply online - your Cook Manager career with HCL starts here.