Deputy Group Chef

Deputy Group Chef

Location: Field-based across Chef West Sussex South London Reading Surrey (Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)

Salary: £17.55 per hour (£27,023 per annum)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Schedule: Term Time Only plus 3 inset days (38.6 weeks)

Reports to: Group Chef

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 Deputy 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 Group Chef 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 Deputy Group Chef

Workforce Planning & Deployment

Assist with the deployment of a mobile catering team, to ensure kitchens remain fully staffed. Help plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work alongside with Group Chef to anticipate staffing needs.

People Management

Work in partnership with the Group Chef to support and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities. Assist with 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

Assist with the recruitment and retention of mobile team members, contributing to 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 Deputy Group Chef

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• Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager (multi-site/mobile preferred)
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• Strong leadership and team management skills
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• Solid knowledge of food safety, H&S, and allergens
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• Organised, adaptable, and able to work across multiple locations
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• Passionate about food quality and customer service
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• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
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Apply Now

If you’re a proactive Deputy Group Chef who enjoys working alongside senior leadership, supporting teams, and upholding high standards while delivering great food and customer experiences, we’d love to hear from you.