At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients and support the Chef Manager.
- Company: Join Impact Food Group, a leading school food provider in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, school holidays off, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Work-life balance with no late nights and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and positive experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ 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.
About the role
- School Location: New School Opening - near Romford and surrounding area.
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
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.
What’s in it for you?
- This role offers a fantastic work-life balance: School holidays off, No late nights or split shifts
- Free meals on shift
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
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 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 in Romford 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. With a focus on work-life balance, you’ll enjoy school holidays off and no late nights, alongside opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. Join us in creating delicious, nutritious meals that foster a positive relationship with food in a vibrant school setting near Romford.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Romford
✨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 chef – you’re a chef who cares about their mission of delivering quality food for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since a trade test is part of the recruitment process, make sure you’re ready to whip up something delicious. Maybe even try cooking a dish that reflects your passion for fresh ingredients.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! In a busy kitchen, collaboration is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for using fresh ingredients and creating delicious meals. We want to see that you care about food as much as we do!
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 high-volume service. Don't be shy about showcasing your culinary journey!
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be well-organised and easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your application stand out. A clean presentation reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in our kitchens!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Impact Food Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in school meals. 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.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle fast-paced environments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, as this is vital for any chef role, especially in a school setting.
✨Bring Your Positive Attitude
A positive, can-do attitude goes a long way in the culinary world. Be enthusiastic about the role and express your willingness to learn and adapt. This will show that you're not just a great chef, but also a great fit for their team.
