At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious, nutritious meals for students.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and all school holidays off.
- Other info: Access ongoing training, career progression, and monthly team incentives.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on student wellbeing while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for fresh, seasonal cooking.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 € 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. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.
School Location: New Site Opening - Maidstone (ME16 area)
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 6:30am–3:30pm (45 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)
Pay Details: £38,000 Annum
What will I be doing?
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team.
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume.
- Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets.
- Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met.
- Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders.
- Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish.
What are we looking for?
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments.
- Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes.
- Strong people management and team leadership skills.
- Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A proactive, hands-on approach and pride in maintaining high standards.
What’s in it for you?
- We offer a fantastic work-life balance: Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends.
- All school holidays off.
- Free meals on shift and uniform provided.
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities.
- Access to free qualifications.
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers.
- Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers.
Additional Information: 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.
Chef Manager in Maidstone employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance with daytime hours and all school holidays off. As a Chef Manager in Maidstone, you will enjoy ongoing training and development opportunities, free meals during shifts, and a chance to participate in monthly team incentives, making it a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or a dish that highlights your ability to cook fresh, seasonal food. Bring it along to interviews or share it on social media to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or catering companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities at Impact Food Group, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating nutritious meals shine through. We want to see how you can bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to life in a school setting!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your people management experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We’re looking for someone who can manage kitchen operations smoothly. In your application, mention your experience with menu planning, stock management, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your skills and passion for the role!
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 will show your passion for food and your ability to create nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you're ready to lead and develop a catering team effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
Brush up on food hygiene and safety regulations relevant to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations. This knowledge is crucial for the role and will show that you take food safety seriously.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, make an effort to connect with your interviewers. Ask questions about their experiences and the company culture. Building a good rapport can leave a lasting impression and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
