Area Support Manager in Woking

Area Support Manager in Woking

Woking Full-Time 40000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and inspire teams while supporting operations across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join IFG, a fast-growing education catering company with a social impact agenda.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, free meals, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Opportunities for free qualifications and discounts at over 850 retailers.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by feeding children better food in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience managing multiple sites and a passion for food and service.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.

Welcome to IFG, we are one of the fastest growing education catering companies in the country and were recently awarded Education Caterer of the year at the Foodservice Catey Awards. Are you an experienced contract catering Operations Support Manager who still likes to be involved with food? Do you want to be part of a growing business with an industry-leading social impact agenda? We want awesome people to help us feed more children better food.

The role involves supporting the operations manager across their portfolio of sites. You will need multisite management experience, a passion for food and service, and craft skills to support in the kitchen when needed.

Can you:

  • Manage, inspire, and engage the teams?
  • Understand, track, and manage the schools’ restaurant profit contribution to the business, being conscious of our food and service offering and client expectations?
  • Meet with clients and stakeholders to build effective relationships, gain trust, and drive our shared goal of feeding more students better food?

You will have managed at least 4 sites, guiding the chef managers with the day-to-day running of the site as well as building excellent client relationships. You should be a chef by trade and still be happy to be in the kitchen when needed. You will be comfortable conversing at all levels, from the kitchen to the board room. Additionally, you will be self-motivated, resilient, and highly organised, with an understanding of how to prioritise effectively. Proficiency in the Office suite is required, including producing spreadsheets and presentations.

What’s in it for you? We’ll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of. There are loads of free qualifications and career development opportunities available, along with a staff discount scheme at over 850 retailers. We also run monthly opportunities for the best teams to win shopping vouchers.

Next steps: If you think you’ve got what it takes, and the times above suit you, we’d love to hear from you! An interview and kitchen visit will be required for this role. 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 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.

Area Support Manager in Woking employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus

At IFG, we pride ourselves on being a leading education catering company with a strong commitment to social impact and employee development. Our supportive work culture fosters growth through free qualifications and career advancement opportunities, while our competitive benefits package, including a generous bonus scheme and staff discounts, ensures that our team feels valued and motivated. Join us in making a difference by providing better food for children across Surrey, all while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus

Contact Details:

Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Area Support Manager in Woking

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research IFG's values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their awesome team.

Tip Number 2

Practice your kitchen skills! Since the role involves getting hands-on in the kitchen, brush up on your culinary techniques. Being able to demonstrate your passion for food during the interview can really set you apart.

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process. They might share valuable insights that could give you an edge.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining IFG and contributing to their mission of feeding more children better food.

We think you need these skills to ace Area Support Manager in Woking

Multisite Management
Food Service Knowledge
Client Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Operational Management
Financial Tracking
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:We want to see your love for food shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your culinary skills and passion for providing great service.

Highlight Your Management Experience:Make sure to detail your multisite management experience. We’re looking for someone who can manage and inspire teams, so give us examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.

Be Authentic and Personable:We’re all about awesome people! Let your personality come through in your writing. Don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contract catering and the specific challenges faced in the education sector. Familiarise yourself with IFG's mission and values, especially their focus on feeding children better food. This will show that you're genuinely interested and aligned with their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams across multiple sites. Think about times when you inspired or engaged your team, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to IFG. They want someone who can lead effectively, so highlight your experience in building strong relationships with both staff and clients.

Be Ready for Practical Questions

Since this role involves being hands-on in the kitchen, expect questions that assess your culinary skills and operational knowledge. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in a school catering environment, and don’t shy away from demonstrating your passion for food!

Prepare for the Kitchen Visit

As part of the interview process, you'll have a kitchen visit. Use this opportunity to showcase your skills and engage with the team. Be prepared to answer questions on the spot and demonstrate your ability to work under pressure. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!