Chef Manager – School Catering (Term Time)

About the role

Join HCL as a Chef Manager at Edmonton County School Bury Campus, leading the kitchen team to deliver fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff during term time. This full‑time, on‑site position offers a supportive environment focused on safeguarding and high‑quality food service.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day kitchen operations, preparing and serving balanced meals.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and budget to ensure cost‑effective service.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations, including HACCP and temperature checks.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, portion control, and allergen management.
• Maintain accurate records such as audits and temperature logs.
• Develop and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a positive and growth‑focused culture.

Required profile

• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification (mandatory).
• NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in catering or related field (highly desirable).
• Strong organisational, planning and time‑management abilities.
• Experience managing budgets, stock, and kitchen operations in a school or similar environment.

Required skills

• Food Hygiene Level 2
• NVQ Level 2/3 (catering)
• HACCP knowledge
• Allergen awareness and management
• Budget and stock control

What we offer

• £17.94 per hour (£29,206 per annum) plus location allowance.
• £1,000 joining bonus (terms apply).
• 37‑hour week – no weekends or late nights, term‑time only.
• Uniform provided and enhanced DBS paid by HCL.
• Career progression, exclusive discounts, wellbeing support and referral rewards.