At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals for students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Impact Food Group, one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no late nights, and school holidays off.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and ongoing training in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by creating delicious meals that students love.
- Qualifications: Basic cooking skills and a passion for food; experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 21070 - 21070 £ 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.
About The Role
- 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 Cook, you’ll support the onsite Chef Manager and wider team in delivering fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and cooking a range of meals and snacks following set menus
- Supporting with food prep using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Assisting with service, including occasional counter service and till work
- Ensuring food is prepared and presented to a high standard
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment
- Following food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures at all times
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for someone who enjoys cooking and takes pride in the food they produce. Previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment preferred (school catering is a bonus, not essential).
- Basic cooking skills and willingness to learn and develop
- A positive, reliable, and team-focused attitude
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
- A genuine interest in preparing good, fresh food
You don’t need to be a fully trained chef, we’re happy to support the right person to grow and develop their skills. We’re not in the business of making school food - we’re here to make great food, and 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
This is a great opportunity to build your skills in a supportive environment and develop a career in catering.
Please note: A basic skills or kitchen-based assessment may 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.
Cook in Huntingdon employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can thrive as a Cook at Cottenham Village College. With a focus on work-life balance, you’ll enjoy no evenings or weekends, school holidays off, and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' wellbeing while developing your culinary skills in a vibrant team dedicated to serving nutritious meals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Huntingdon
✨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 in Huntingdon
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!
