At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fresh, seasonal meals for students every day.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and all school holidays off.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and career progression available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious and delicious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for cooking required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
The role is based at Adel Primary School, Leeds, LS16. Working days are Monday to Friday, with shifts from 8am-2pm (30 hours per week) for 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days).
As a Cook Manager, you’ll lead a friendly kitchen team to deliver fresh, seasonal meals to students each day. This is a hands-on management role, where you’ll oversee the kitchen, support your team, and ensure smooth service. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals for the school
- Planning menus, managing stock, and ensuring compliance with food hygiene and safety standards
- Liaising directly with onsite clients and stakeholders
- Ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently
We’re looking for an experienced Cook/Chef Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for food:
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
- Skilled in preparing fresh, seasonal food
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Good organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach with pride in maintaining high standards
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
This role offers an excellent work-life balance: daytime hours, no evenings or weekends, all school holidays off, free meal on shift, and provided uniform. Plus, opportunities for training, development, and career progression, access to free qualifications, and monthly team incentives, including chances to win shopping vouchers.
You’ll also have the chance to help children explore healthy eating and build positive food habits that last a lifetime. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay 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.
Cook Manager in Horsforth employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Cook Managers at Adel Primary School in Leeds. With a focus on work-life balance, employees enjoy daytime hours, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for professional development and career progression. Join us in making a positive impact on students' lives through nutritious food while being part of a passionate team dedicated to high-quality service.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Horsforth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Cook Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Impact Food Group and similar companies on social media. Engage with their posts and share your passion for food and leadership. This can help you get noticed and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to kitchen management and team leadership. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Impact Food Group. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in students' lives!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Horsforth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with fresh, seasonal meals and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that you’re not just about the job, but about creating great food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you’ve motivated and developed your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so don’t hold back!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:In your application, emphasise your organisational skills and attention to detail. Mention any experience you have with menu planning, stock management, or compliance with food hygiene standards. We need someone who can keep everything running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Impact Food Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the types of meals that Impact Food Group serves. Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be incorporated into school menus. This shows your passion for food and your ability to create nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen or motivated a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards relevant to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards and keeping students safe.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don't just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their vision for the kitchen at Adel Primary School and how you can contribute. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to collaborate with the team.
