At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance student dining experiences and champion food quality across schools.
- Company: Impact Food Group, a leading school caterer focused on positive food culture.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, training opportunities, staff discounts, and monthly incentives.
- Other info: Join a growing team dedicated to making a difference in student nutrition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' health and wellbeing through innovative culinary initiatives.
- Qualifications: Culinary expertise and passion for improving food experiences in schools.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
At Impact Food Group, we’re more than just a school caterer. We’re on a mission to create a positive food culture and help more students enjoy healthier, better-quality food. Making a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and improving — every way, every day.
We are 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.
Guided by our values of integrity, boldness, impact, humility, and community; you will help us shape a workplace and culture we can all be proud of.
The Role
The Partnership Development Chef plays a key role in protecting and strengthening IFG's partnerships by enhancing the student dining experience, raising food quality, and championing brand standards across our schools. Working closely with Operations teams, this role brings innovation, culinary expertise, and energy to schools approaching key contract milestones, ensuring every client experiences the very best of IFG. Primarily supporting schools across the North of England, the successful candidate will ideally be based within the Midlands, Manchester, or Leeds corridor.
What you’ll be Doing
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver exceptional culinary support across schools identified as retention priorities.
- Lead student engagement initiatives including tasting events, theme days, and food demonstrations in priority schools.
- Carry out a simple audit at schools visited, relaying the findings to the Operations Manager and Director of Business Development.
- Coach and mentor catering teams to improve presentation, service standards, and customer experience.
- Support Regional Operations teams with mobilisation, contract extensions, and tender preparations.
- Drive Brand Standards through regular site visits, audits, and practical coaching.
- Attend retention presentations with the teams you have been supporting.
- Work alongside Marketing to develop engaging food content, photography, and promotional campaigns where required.
- Act as a culinary ambassador for IFG at conferences, client presentations, and operational meetings.
What Success Looks Like
- Improved student participation and satisfaction.
- Stronger client confidence in IFG's food offer.
- Consistent Brand Standards across supported schools.
- Increased engagement, and ultimately, contract retention.
- High-quality food innovation shared across the business.
What’s in It for You?
- The opportunity to build a career you can be proud of in a growing business.
- Access to a wide range of free training, qualifications, and development opportunities.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers.
- Pension scheme and other great company benefits.
- Monthly incentives and recognition for top performers.
If you’re looking for your next step and want to be part of an organisation that genuinely makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Partnership Development Chef in Manchester employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group is an excellent employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture in Woking, Surrey. With a focus on professional growth and development, we offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students across the UK. Join our team and enjoy a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnership Development Chef in Manchester
✨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 Partnership Development Chef in Manchester
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!
