At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for students in a vibrant school kitchen.
- 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: Dynamic role with a focus on fresh ingredients and student engagement.
- 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 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?
We’re simply looking for great chefs who care about food:
- 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
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- 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.
School Chef: Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Romford employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for chefs passionate about creating high-quality meals for students. With a strong focus on work-life balance, you will enjoy school holidays off and no late nights, alongside opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact on student wellbeing through nutritious food while building lasting relationships with the next generation.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef: Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Romford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their mission. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another chef – you’re someone who genuinely cares about making great 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 some delicious dishes. Maybe even try cooking with seasonal ingredients to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! In a high-volume kitchen, collaboration is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past – it’ll show you’re a great fit for their team.
✨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 passionate chefs like you who want to make a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef: Fresh, High-Volume Meals (Term-Time) in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're 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 environment, we want to know how your skills can translate to our high-volume service. Don't be shy about showcasing what you've done!
Keep It Clean and Professional:Just like maintaining a tidy kitchen, your application should be neat and well-organised. Use clear language, check for typos, and make sure everything flows nicely. A polished application shows us that you take pride in your work!
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 gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in high-volume cooking. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them for a large group, as this shows your passion for 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 contribute to a positive kitchen environment, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Food Hygiene Standards
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, especially in a school setting.
✨Bring a Positive Attitude
A can-do attitude goes a long way! Be enthusiastic about the role and express your willingness to learn and adapt. Share any experiences that demonstrate your reliability and pride in maintaining high standards, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
