At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, serving fresh meals to students daily.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with all school holidays off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student wellbeing through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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.
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4pm (45 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)
What will I be doing? As a Chef Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students every day. This is a hands‑on, leadership role where you’ll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume
- Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
- Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
- Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
- Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
What are we looking for? We’re looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills.
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
- Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, hands‑on approach and pride in maintaining high standards
What’s in it for you? We offer a fantastic work‑life balance:
- Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends
- All school holidays off
- Free meals on shift and uniform provided
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
- Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers
Important Information: We 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 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.
Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance with daytime hours and all school holidays off. As a Chef Manager, you will enjoy ongoing training and development opportunities, free meals during shifts, and the chance to lead a passionate team in delivering nutritious meals to students, making a meaningful impact in their lives every day.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what they stand for and how you can contribute to their mission of serving nutritious meals to students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership pitch! As a Chef Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've motivated your team or handled challenges effectively, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your cooking or discuss your favourite seasonal dishes. This will not only highlight your passion for food but also give us a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role, the team, or the company culture. This shows us you're genuinely interested and helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you too.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for high-volume catering shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, seasonal meals and how you can inspire your team to deliver top-notch service.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your previous experience managing a kitchen, especially in schools or similar environments. We’re looking for proven skills in cooking at high volumes and leading a team, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Organised and Clear:Keep your application well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and how you meet the role's requirements.
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 Chef Manager position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the types of meals that Impact Food Group serves. Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be incorporated into high-volume cooking. This will show your passion for fresh food and your ability to plan menus effectively.
✨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. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you're ready to take on the Chef Manager role.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Be ready to discuss food hygiene, safety standards, and compliance regulations. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, as this is crucial in a school environment. Showing that you prioritise safety will reassure them that you can maintain high standards in the kitchen.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, make an effort to connect with your interviewers. Ask questions about their team culture and how they support staff development. Building a good rapport can set you apart and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
