At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students and staff in a vibrant school kitchen.
- 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 quality food and positive experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
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:
- Starting in the new school year (Late August)
- 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 Saffron Walden 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 ongoing training opportunities to enhance your culinary skills. Join us in Sawston Village College, where you can build lasting relationships with students and contribute to their positive relationship with food.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Get your game face on and prepare for the interview! Research Impact Food Group, their values, and what they stand for. Knowing their mission will help you connect with them during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! A trade test is part of the recruitment process, so make sure you can whip up a dish that highlights your passion for fresh ingredients.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in a kitchen environment. They want to see that you can thrive in a fast-paced setting while keeping the vibe positive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Saffron Walden
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 bring that passion to our kitchen.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a school or contract catering environment before, mention any relevant experience you have. Whether it's in a restaurant or at home, we want to know how you've honed your skills!
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it straightforward for us to see your qualifications and experience.
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 from us!
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.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene
Make sure you have a solid understanding of food hygiene and safety standards. You might be asked specific questions about these during the interview, so it’s worth reviewing the basics and being ready to demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Bring Your Positive Attitude
A can-do attitude goes a long way in any kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you approach challenges and maintain high standards, even when things get hectic. This will show that you’re not just a skilled cook, but also a great fit for their team culture.
