Assistant Cook Manager – School Catering

About the role

Join HCL’s school catering team as an Assistant Cook Manager at Grove Road Primary School. Working 22.5 hours per week during term time, you will support the Cook Manager in delivering nutritious, safe meals for pupils while upholding the highest safeguarding standards.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and serve balanced meals that meet dietary and allergen requirements.
• Assist the Cook Manager with daily kitchen operations and stock control.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and manage ordering using IT systems.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health‑and‑safety regulations.
• Represent HCL professionally and promote a positive team environment.

Required profile

• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
• Previous experience in education catering or a similar setting.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification (mandatory).
• Understanding of key allergens and ability to cater for special dietary needs.

Required skills

• Proficiency with kitchen IT ordering and inventory software.

What we offer

• £12.98 per hour (£12,855 annual equivalent).
• Term‑time only schedule – enjoy all school holidays.
• No weekend or late‑night shifts.
• Uniform provided and enhanced DBS paid by HCL.
• Career progression opportunities and exclusive discount programmes.
• Referral bonus of up to £500 (terms apply).