Cook Manager

About The Role

• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Number of Positions: 1
• Qualifications Required: Hold or be working towards NVQ Level 2 Food Preparation and Cooking or an equivalent qualification
• Start Date: 9th March 2026
• Salary: £29,064 - £32,061 per annum

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Manager to join our fantastic team at Chorlton High School.

This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 per annum and the full time equivalent is £29,064, Grade 5.

We're looking for a suitably qualified Cook Manager to join our dedicated school catering team.

You will hold or be working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent), and have experience working in a professional catering environment where quality, safety, and attention to detail are paramount.

Main Purpose of the Job

Reporting to the School Operations Manager and the Head of Catering, you will work closely with the catering team and lunchtime organisers to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), contracts, and legal requirements
• You will be responsible for overseeing the daily running of the school kitchen, ensuring that high standards of food quality and service are maintained, while supporting the Trust Catering Support Managers in supervising the team
• Your role will also involve aspects of human resource management, including training and development, managing attendance, and completing payroll returns
• A strong customer focus is essential; we are looking for someone who is courteous, professional, and responsive to the needs of the school community
• Follow pre-planned menus to ensure compliance with nutritional standards, legislative requirements, and customer needs
• Maintain accurate and efficient financial administration, in accordance with Prospere Trust financial regulations (or equivalent)
• Provide a customer-focused service that is responsive and professional
• Support the Catering Manager in leading and managing the catering team, ensuring equality, inclusivity, and accessibility in service delivery
• Promote high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness in all aspects of kitchen operation
• Contribute to training, development, and performance management of kitchen staff

About the Candidate

Applicants must have:

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards)
• Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally within education or public service
• Excellent leadership and team supervision skills
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and allergen management
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities

About Us

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We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here.

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.