At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals and ensure top-notch service in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Impact Food Group, an award-winning catering service dedicated to the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Perfect for high school and college students looking for a fun and rewarding job.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a positive impact through food and service.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and love for cooking!
Impact Food Group (IFG)is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers,serving aroundone million students every dayacross more than1,500 schools.We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.
Our brands includeInnovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.
About the role
Job Title: Chef/ Cook
School Location: Cottenham Village College, Cottenham, CB24 8UA
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-2.30pm (35 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
Pay Details: £21,070 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?
We’re not going to overload you with buzzwords - 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.
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.
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 requiredtoundergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG supply the cost for.
We area committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail withinyourapplication. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
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Cook in Cottenham employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at Cottenham Village College. With a focus on fresh food and nutritious meals, employees benefit from term-time hours that allow for a great work-life balance, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within the culinary field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Cottenham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the brands under Impact Food Group, such as Innovate, Cucina, and Chapter One. Understanding their unique offerings and values will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for catering and food service by discussing any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in. Highlighting your commitment to quality and service can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Impact Food Group on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what they look for in a Cook.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to making a positive impact in the education sector through your cooking. Think about specific examples where you've made a difference in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Cottenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Cook position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in catering and food preparation.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles in catering or food service, especially in educational settings. Mention any awards or recognitions you have received that demonstrate your commitment to quality and service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a personalised cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and service. Explain why you want to work with Impact Food Group and how you can contribute to their mission of providing exceptional catering services.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you stay updated with culinary trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience in Catering
Discuss any previous experience you have in catering, especially within the education sector. Mention specific events or projects you've worked on that showcase your ability to deliver exceptional service and quality food.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Be ready to answer practical questions about food safety, menu planning, and dietary requirements. You might be asked how you would handle specific situations, so think through your responses and be prepared to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since working in a kitchen often involves collaboration, be sure to highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles to create a positive working environment.
