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.
- 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 impact on children's health and wellbeing through great food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for cooking required.
The predicted salary is between 18712 - 18712 € 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.
The role is based at Oaks Primary Academy, Maidstone, ME15 9AX. Working days are Monday to Friday with shifts from XXam-XXpm (XX hours per week) for 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days). The pay details are £18,712.53 per annum.
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, staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers, 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.
If this sounds like the right role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please note: An interview, trade test & kitchen visit 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 disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for. We are 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 Maidstone employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at Oaks Primary Academy in Maidstone. With a strong focus on employee development, you will enjoy opportunities for training and career progression, alongside a fantastic work-life balance with daytime hours and all school holidays off. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' lives through nutritious meals while being part of a passionate team that values quality and wellbeing.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission of providing nutritious meals for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this is a hands-on role, be ready to showcase your culinary talents during the trade test. Prepare some seasonal dishes that reflect your creativity and understanding of food hygiene standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! Be prepared to discuss how you’ve motivated and developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve handled challenges in the kitchen and kept service running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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 Cook Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, seasonal meals and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles.
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, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage effectively.
Be Organised and Clear:Keep your application neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. This shows your organisational skills, which are crucial for managing a busy kitchen!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about seasonal ingredients and menu ideas that would resonate with students. Being able to discuss your vision for meals and how you can incorporate fresh produce will show your passion for food and creativity.
✨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. This will demonstrate your strong people management skills and proactive approach.
✨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 knowledge is crucial for the role and will highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current challenges in the kitchen or how they envision the future of school meals. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to collaborate.
