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 opportunities for training and career growth.
- Other info: Work-life balance with no evenings or weekends, plus monthly team incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing through delicious, nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ 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: Eastwick Primary & Infant School, Leatherhead, KT23
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-2.30pm (37.5 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year
Pay Details: £31,500 per Annum
What will I be doing? 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
If you’re enthusiastic about cooking and leading a team to deliver quality food, we want to hear from you.
What’s in it for you? 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
- Opportunities for training, development, and career progression
- Access to free qualifications
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
- 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.
Next steps: 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 Reigate employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Cook Managers at Eastwick Primary & Infant School in Leatherhead. With a focus on work-life balance, employees enjoy daytime hours, all school holidays off, and opportunities for professional development, including access to free qualifications. The company fosters a culture of teamwork and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives through nutritious meals while enjoying benefits like free meals on shift and monthly team incentives.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Impact Food Group. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to kitchen management and team leadership. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in these areas. We want you to feel confident when discussing your passion for food and team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary creativity! If you have the chance, bring along a sample menu or ideas for seasonal meals you could implement at the school. This not only demonstrates your cooking skills but also your initiative and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Reigate
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 Clear:Your application should reflect your organisational skills. Keep it clear and concise, and make sure to address all the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate a well-structured application that shows you can manage tasks effectively.
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 and straightforward—just follow the prompts!
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 fresh, nutritious meals will show your passion for food and understanding of the role.
✨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 menu offerings or how they involve students in healthy eating initiatives. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps build rapport.
