At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality meals for students in a vibrant school 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: 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 20805 - 20805 £ 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.
About the role:
- School Location: Sawston Village College, Cambridge, CB22 3BP
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
- Pay Details: £20,805.75 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. We’re not in the business of making school food, we’re here to make great food. That’s why our customers love us.
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.
Cook in Otley employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where chefs can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives through nutritious meals. 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 Sawston Village College, where your passion for food will help shape the future of young minds in a vibrant and rewarding setting.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Otley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its food culture! Research Sawston Village College and understand what they value in their meals. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the team is like and what the school really needs. Plus, it shows initiative and can give you a leg up in the hiring process!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that trade test! Brush up on your cooking skills and be ready to showcase your ability to work with fresh ingredients. Practising high-volume cooking at home can help you feel more confident when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect with us directly. Let’s get you into that kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Otley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share why you enjoy working with fresh ingredients and how you can contribute to making great meals for students.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a school kitchen before, mention any relevant experience you have. Whether it's in a restaurant or catering setting, we want to know how your skills can translate to our environment.
Keep It Clean and Professional:Just like in the kitchen, presentation matters! Make sure your application is well-organised and free of typos. A clean, professional look will help us see your attention to detail.
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’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 you might be using in the role. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, as this shows your passion for cooking and understanding of quality food.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy kitchen, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others. Be prepared to share how you handle communication and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. You might be asked about your understanding of these practices, so be ready to explain how you maintain a clean and safe kitchen.
✨Bring Your Positive Attitude
A can-do attitude is essential in this role. Think of times when you've faced challenges in the kitchen and how you overcame them. Show that you're eager to learn and adapt, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
