Skills and Mobilisation Chef

About the role

HCL, a leading contract caterer for schools, is seeking a Skills and Mobilisation Chef to lead its training and mobilisation programme. You will work across Hertfordshire, London and the South of England, ensuring high‑quality, nutritious food experiences for children and staff.

Key responsibilities

• Train new sites on menu compliance, cooking processes and counter set‑ups.
• Support food‑development testing in schools and deliver remedial culinary training.
• Identify skill gaps, design and deliver training courses for existing and new contracts.
• Maintain and audit HCL quality standards, statutory food, allergen and nutrient requirements.
• Produce reports on training outcomes, skills gaps and continuous‑improvement plans.

Required profile

• Proven experience in large‑scale catering, preferably within the public‑sector school environment.
• Ability to work flexibly within a team and promote a positive development culture.
• Strong understanding of food safety, allergen management and menu development.

Required skills

• Food safety standards
• Allergen management
• Menu development
• Culinary training delivery
• Quality audit processes

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a competitive salary.
• Full‑time, onsite role (37 hours/week) in Welwyn Garden City.
• Opportunities to influence school catering across a growing portfolio.