At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fresh, seasonal meals for students every day.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and opportunities for training and career growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with great team incentives and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing through delicious, nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22575 - 22575 £ 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.
The role is based at Rushall Primary School & Oakwood School, Pelsall Lane, WS4.
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (35 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
Pay: £22,575 per annum
What will I be doing?
- Leading a friendly kitchen team to deliver fresh, seasonal meals to students each day.
- Managing the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team.
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals for the school.
- Planning menus, managing stock, and ensuring compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.
- Liaising directly with onsite clients and stakeholders.
- Ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently.
What are we looking for?
- An experienced Cook/Chef Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for food.
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments.
- Skilled in preparing fresh, seasonal food.
- Strong people management and team leadership skills.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with pride in maintaining high standards.
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
If you’re enthusiastic about cooking and leading a team to deliver quality food, we want to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
- Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends.
- All school holidays off.
- Free meal on shift and provided uniform.
- Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
- Access to free qualifications.
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers.
- Monthly team incentives, including chances to win shopping vouchers.
You’ll also have the chance to help children explore healthy eating and build positive food habits that last a lifetime.
Next steps
If this sounds like the right role for you, we’d love to hear from you! We require an interview, trade test & kitchen visit as part of the recruitment process. IFG is 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 this within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Cook Manager in England employer: Impact Food Group
Contact Detail:
Impact Food Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in England
✨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 food aligns with what they do. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to kitchen management and team leadership. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in these areas. We want you to feel confident when discussing your hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary creativity! Be ready to discuss menu planning and how you can bring fresh, seasonal meals to life for students. Maybe even come up with a few ideas to share during your interview—this will show your enthusiasm and initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with fresh, seasonal meals and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that you’re not just about the job, but about creating great food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Cook Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you’ve motivated and developed your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so don’t hold back!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: In your application, emphasise your organisational skills and attention to detail. Mention any experience you have with menu planning, stock management, or compliance with food hygiene standards. We need someone who can keep everything running smoothly!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Impact Food Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨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 school menus. This will show your passion for food and your ability to create nutritious meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated and developed your team. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle challenges in a kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards relevant to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This knowledge is crucial, and demonstrating it will show that you take food safety seriously.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their vision for the kitchen and how you can contribute. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to be part of the team.