At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for students in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no evenings or weekends, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Build meaningful relationships with students while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through delicious, nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus.
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?
We’re simply looking for great chefs who care about food:
- 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.
School Kitchen Chef — Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Essex employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for School Kitchen Chefs. 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 students' lives through high-quality meals while benefiting from 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 School Kitchen Chef — Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their mission. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another chef; you’re someone who genuinely cares about making great food for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since a trade test is part of the recruitment process, whip up some fresh, seasonal dishes at home. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you something to talk about during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! In a high-volume kitchen, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace School Kitchen Chef — Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for using fresh ingredients and creating delicious meals. We want to see that you care about food as much as we do!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of a School Kitchen Chef. Highlight any relevant experience in high-volume kitchens or working with young people. This shows us that you understand what we're all about and how you can contribute to our mission.
Keep It Clean and Professional:Just like in the kitchen, presentation matters! Ensure your application is well-organised and free from typos. A clean, professional look reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in our line of work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in high-volume cooking. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them for a large group, as this shows your passion and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle feedback, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge
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 vital for any chef, especially in a school setting.
✨Bring Your Positive Attitude
A positive, can-do attitude is key! Think of times when you've faced challenges in the kitchen and how you overcame them. This will show that you're not just a skilled chef, but also someone who brings energy and enthusiasm to the team.
