At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, seasonal meals and support menu planning for students.
- Company: Join Impact Food Group, a leading school food provider in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, professional development, and discounts at 850+ retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for growth and monthly incentives.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives with high-quality meals in a prestigious school.
- Qualifications: Catering experience, passion for food, and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 34692 - 34692 £ 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: St Catherine's School, Twickenham, Richmond upon Thames, TW1 4QJ
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 6am-2.30pm (40 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time only)
- Pay Details: £34,692 per Annum
What You’ll Be Doing:
As a Head Chef, you’ll prepare fresh, seasonal meals for our independent school. You’ll focus on quality, presentation, and portioning to meet the expectations of students and staff. Volume wise you will be used to producing up to 450 main meals. Your responsibilities include:
- Preparing and cooking meals from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Supporting menu planning and adapting dishes to dietary requirements
- Preparing and assisting with catering events, banquets, and special functions
- Ensuring the kitchen is clean, organised, and compliant with food safety standards
- Working closely with the team to deliver consistently excellent meals
Skills & experience:
- Previous catering experience, ideally in a professional or high-volume environment
- Passion for high-quality food, presentation, and attention to detail
- Experience or willingness to support catering events and special functions
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safe preparation practices
- Team player with strong organisational skills
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Opportunities for professional development and culinary training
- Work as part of a highly professional team in prestigious schools
- Receive a free meal on shift
- Access a wide range of free qualifications and career development opportunities
- Benefit from a staff discount scheme at over 850 retailers
- Take part in monthly incentives for top-performing teams, including shopping vouchers
If you think you’ve got what it takes, and the times above suit you, we’d love to hear from you! A kitchen visit, trade test and interview will be required for this role. 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 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.
Head Chef in London employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where culinary passion meets professional growth. As a Head Chef at St Catherine's School in Twickenham, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, access to extensive training opportunities, and the chance to create nutritious meals for students in a supportive team environment. With benefits like free meals on shift and discounts at over 850 retailers, IFG is dedicated to fostering a rewarding workplace that prioritises both employee wellbeing and student satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its food culture before your interview. Research St Catherine's School and think about how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality meals. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare a few signature dishes that showcase your culinary skills. Bring along some photos or even a tasting sample if possible. This hands-on approach can really impress the hiring team and demonstrate your passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
During the interview, highlight your experience in high-volume cooking and your ability to adapt menus for dietary needs. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the kitchen, as this will resonate with their focus on quality and presentation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can keep you fresh in their minds. And remember, applying through our website gives you a better chance of being noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for high-quality food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and attention to detail. We want to see how you can bring your passion to our kitchen!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Chef role at St Catherine's School. Mention specific experiences that relate to preparing fresh meals and working in a high-volume environment. This helps us see why you're the perfect fit!
Highlight Teamwork Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be working closely with a team. In your application, emphasise your ability to collaborate and support others in the kitchen. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients you’ll be using. Be ready to discuss how you source quality produce and your approach to menu planning, especially for dietary requirements. This shows your passion for high-quality food and attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your cooking techniques during the interview. If there's a trade test involved, think about how you can showcase your ability to produce up to 450 meals efficiently while maintaining quality and presentation. Practice your timing and portioning!
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your experience working in a team environment. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in previous roles to deliver excellent meals or manage catering events. Being a team player is crucial in a busy kitchen, so share specific examples of successful teamwork.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safe preparation practices. Be prepared to answer questions about compliance and how you ensure a clean and organised kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and professionalism in the culinary field.
