Group Chef
HCL · Welwyn Garden City · posted 36 days ago
Occupation
Going rate for this occupation: £33,400 · UK median pay £29,789
Home Office going rates from
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Occupation code 5436 is not eligible for the Skilled Worker route and is on no shortage list still in force, so no employer can sponsor this role on that route.
- The salary is an estimate from national earnings data, not the employer's figure.
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Group Chef
Location: Field-based across South Stevenage Welwyn Hatfield
(Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)
Salary Range: £30,490 - £31,537 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 35 hours - Term Time, inc Inset days + 1 week, 40 working 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
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