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Full job description
Group Chef
Location: Field-based across West Sussex South London Reading Surrey (Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)
Salary Range: £36,857 – £38,122 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 35 per week Term Time + 1 week 40 weeks per year
Reports to: Senior Operations Manager
HCL are leading contract caterers with a focus on school feeding. We have a commitment to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and engaging food experiences for children and staff across our primary schools, secondary schools, and commercial sites. We pride ourselves on our dynamic culture and our commitment to excellence.
The Group Chef plays a critical role in ensuring kitchens remain fully staffed, operational, and deliver high-quality food and service safely across multiple education sites. This position supports the Senior Operations Manager by managing the mobile workforce, supporting compliance with food safety and operational standards, and assisting with kitchen mobilisations and community engagement activities.
Key Responsibilities for Group Chef
Workforce Planning & Deployment
Manage and deploy a mobile catering team to ensure kitchens remain fully staffed. Plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work with senior managers to anticipate staffing needs.
People Management
Lead, support, and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities. Oversee training, performance, and absence management, ensuring HR compliance.
Operational Support
Provide hands-on kitchen support when needed, maintain food quality standards, and monitor performance (food cost, labour, waste). Support site engagement activities and digital systems.
Compliance & Safety
Ensure high standards in Food Safety, Health & Safety, and allergen management across all sites.
Recruitment & Retention
Recruit and retain mobile team members, supporting wider site recruitment and engagement initiatives.
Mobilisation Support
Assist with new site set-ups and transitions, including equipment, onboarding, and systems implementation.
About You as a Group Chef
- Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager (multi-site/mobile preferred)
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Solid knowledge of food safety, H&S, and allergens
- Organised, adaptable, and able to work across multiple locations
- Passionate about food quality and customer service
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Apply Now
If you’re a forward-thinking Group Chef who thrives on leading teams, driving high standards, and delivering exceptional food and customer experiences, we’d love to hear from you..