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, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and opportunities for training and career progression.
- Other info: Work-life balance with all school holidays off and monthly team incentives.
- 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 25000 - 25000 £ 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.
The role involves leading a friendly kitchen team to deliver fresh, seasonal meals to students each day. This is a hands-on management role, where you’ll oversee the kitchen, support your team, and ensure smooth service. Your responsibilities will include:
- 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
We’re looking for an experienced Cook/Chef Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for food. The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
- Skills 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
- A good understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
This role offers an excellent work-life balance: daytime hours, no evenings or weekends, all school holidays off, free meal on shift and provided uniform. Additionally, there are opportunities for training, development, and career progression, access to free qualifications, a staff discount scheme across 850 retailers, and monthly team incentives, including chances to win shopping vouchers.
If this sounds like the right role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please note: An interview, trade test & kitchen visit 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 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.
Locations
Cook Manager in Godalming, Surrey employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Cook Managers at St Thomas of Canterbury. With a focus on work-life balance, employees enjoy daytime hours, school holidays off, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to the health and wellbeing of students through nutritious meals. Join a passionate team dedicated to making great food and fostering positive eating habits in children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Godalming, Surrey
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Impact Food Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Impact Food Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Impact Food Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Godalming, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Impact Food Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
