At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no evenings or weekends, and access to training and discounts.
- Other info: Build meaningful relationships with students while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and positive experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ 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.
About the role
- School Location: New School Opening - near Romford and surrounding area.
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
- Pay Details: £28,000 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 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.
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.
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.
Locations
Chef in Essex, Romford employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for chefs to work in a supportive and dynamic environment dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing through high-quality meals. With a focus on work-life balance, you’ll enjoy no evenings or weekends, school holidays off, and ongoing training and development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Join us near Romford and be part of a passionate team that values fresh ingredients and culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Essex, Romford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another chef – you’re someone who genuinely cares about making great food for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that showcase your ability to use fresh ingredients. Bring some photos or even a tasting sample to your interview to impress them with your culinary flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you’ll be working closely with the Chef Manager and other staff, think of examples where you’ve collaborated in a kitchen setting. Show them you’re a team player who can handle the hustle of a high-volume service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Essex, Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and how you enjoy creating delicious meals. We want to see that you care about food just as much as we do.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Chef at Impact Food Group. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in high-volume kitchens or school settings. This helps us see why you’re a great fit for our team!
Keep It Clean and Professional:Just like maintaining a tidy kitchen, your application should be neat and well-organised. Use clear language, check for typos, and make sure everything flows nicely. A polished application shows us you take pride in your work.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in school meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, showcasing your passion for cooking with fresh produce.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy kitchen, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about maintaining a clean kitchen and how you ensure food safety during meal preparation.
✨Bring Your Can-Do Attitude
Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Share experiences that demonstrate your positive attitude and reliability, as these traits are highly valued in a school catering setting.
