At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no evenings or weekends, and access to training and discounts.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with school holidays off and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and positive experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.
About the role
- School Location: New School Opening - near Romford and surrounding area.
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
- Pay Details: £28,000 per annum
What will I be doing?
As a Chef, you’ll support the onsite Chef Manager in delivering high-quality, freshly prepared meals for students and staff. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation of main meals and snacks
- Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients for high-volume service (200+ covers)
- Supporting with occasional counter service and till work
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment at all times
What are we looking for?
- Experience as a chef, ideally within a school or contract catering environment (but not essential)
- A passion for cooking with fresh ingredients and delivering quality food
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
- Reliability and pride in maintaining high standards
We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we’re proud to have chefs with restaurant-quality experience working in our schools. If you’re passionate about food and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
This role offers a fantastic work-life balance:
- No evenings or weekends
- School holidays off
- No late nights or split shifts
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- Free meals on shift
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
- A staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
You’ll also have the chance to build meaningful relationships with students, helping them explore new cuisines and develop a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
Interested? If you think you’ve got what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note: A trade test will be required as part of the recruitment process. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG supply the cost for.
We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Chef in Essex employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for chefs passionate about creating high-quality meals for students. With a focus on work-life balance, you’ll enjoy no evenings or weekends, school holidays off, and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact on student wellbeing while enjoying free meals on shift and discounts across numerous retailers.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their brands. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work as a chef with IFG.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that trade test! Brush up on your cooking skills and be ready to showcase your ability to whip up delicious meals under pressure. Practise with fresh, seasonal ingredients to impress them!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Impact Food Group and making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and how you enjoy creating delicious meals. This will help us understand why you're a great fit for our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a school or contract catering environment before, tell us about any chef roles you've had. Focus on your skills in high-volume cooking and teamwork, as these are key to thriving in our kitchens.
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it straightforward for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are commonly used in school meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you can incorporate these ingredients into high-volume cooking.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through. Share stories about your experiences in the kitchen, especially any moments where you’ve created something special or learned a new technique.
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in a busy kitchen environment, as this role will require strong communication and teamwork skills.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, as this is crucial for a role in a school setting.
