Are you passionate about food?

Hertfordshire Catering Limited (HCL) are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic Chef Manager to work in Copthall secondary school, Mill Hill.

This role is term time only, working Monday to Friday, so it's ideal for a great work-life balance!

At HCL, staff are our greatest asset. We are proactive in providing training and support to develop your culinary skills, all part of working within a highly motivated team.

You will be directing and managing the school meals service, to ensure children receive their school meals, therefore it is essential that you have a strong understanding of the importance of Health and Safety as well as high standards of hygiene and a neat and tidy appearance.

We will need you to have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a team.

We offer a £1,000 incentive payment (t&cs apply)

Your role as a Chef Manager will involve:

• Prepare and cook meals including any special dietary requirements
• Cleaning duties within the kitchen/dining area
• Stocktaking/ordering
• Maintaining all budgets
• Adhere to Food Safety Management System
• Health & Safety compliance
• Food service to students & staff
• IT literate
• Maintain and promote relationships within the school
• Motivate and develop staff to their full potential

What we ask from you:

• To direct the catering team in the preparation, cooking, and consistent presentation of all menus as required
• Lead and manage all staff within the catering team, ensuring they are effectively trained
• Ensure a robust audit trail is maintained and that all staff and visitors comply with these and that Staff Training Records are kept up to date
• Effectively plan and direct the deployment of the resources of the catering service (food, staff, equipment and cleaning materials) as required to maximise the efficiency and output of the operation
• Manage the financial budget to ensure the catering service is cost effective, whilst meeting the needs of both customers and the Client. Handle cash effectively and ensure all monies are properly accounted for. Implement cashless catering system, if required
• Devise innovative menus (using fresh quality ingredients) and introduce food concepts and other food initiatives as required. Ensure that the food offer is appealing to a wide and diverse range of customers and represents value for money. Lead and monitor to ensure consistent high quality of service delivery
• Proactively market and promote the catering service, fully utilising the 'brand' resources available to drives sales and improve overall take up of the food offer
• Conduct appropriate recruitment, induction and on the job training, Appraisals and first line discipline, to ensure staff are motivated and developed to their full potential

Why choose HCL?

- Excellent career progression opportunities (many of our Contract Managers started off as General Catering Assistants!)
- 24/7, 365 day access to our Employee Assistance Programme to help with life challenges such as mental health and stress issues, financial concerns and legal advice
- Lifestyle savings with Vivup. Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, and retail shopping. - Salary Finance - loans, savings and advances (access some of your money before your usual pay date!)
- A uniform is provided and we offer full training. All we ask if you bring a can-do attitude!

Please note that this post is subject to an Enhanced Children's DBS check (at no cost to you) and valid right to work in the UK.

At HCL, we are passionate about food. We care about our customers. We aim to deliver something special. We are stronger together. We are socially responsible.