At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, school holidays off, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Build meaningful relationships with students while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing through quality 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: 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)
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.
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 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 Sawston 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 positive impact on students' lives through nutritious meals. 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 Cambridge to be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming school food into a delightful experience for every student.
Contact Details:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Sawston
✨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 passion for cooking aligns with their goal of providing high-quality meals for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since a trade test is part of the recruitment process, make sure you’re comfortable whipping up some delicious dishes. Try cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients to showcase your passion for quality food.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! During the interview, highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen and how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive kitchen environment in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to hear from you directly, so make sure to submit your application online. It’s the best way to ensure your passion for cooking gets noticed by the right people at IFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Sawston
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 moments that sparked your passion for food, especially if they relate to working with fresh ingredients.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a school kitchen before, mention any relevant cooking experience you have. Whether it's in restaurants or catering, we want to see how your skills can translate into our fast-paced environment.
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like a tidy kitchen, your application should be well-organised. Make sure to proofread for any typos or errors, and structure your information clearly so we can easily see why you're the right fit for us.
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 about the role!
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 school meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, as this shows your passion for cooking.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in a kitchen environment, especially under pressure. This role requires strong communication, so demonstrate that you can work well with others.
✨Understand Food Hygiene
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about best practices in the kitchen, as maintaining a clean and safe environment is crucial in this role.
✨Bring a Positive Attitude
Emphasise your can-do attitude and willingness to learn. The interviewers are looking for chefs who care about food and are eager to make a difference in students' lives, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
