At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and drive business growth in school catering.
- Company: Join Impact Food Group, a fast-growing school food provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, 25 days leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on student wellbeing through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualification and 3 years' experience in a similar role.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
At Impact Food Group, we’re more than a school caterer. The people are the heart of what we do. We’re driven by creating a positive food culture and helping more students eat better food. Making a positive social impact is at the centre of our identity. We tirelessly learn, develop and make improvements in 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.
As an organisation, we have 900+ sites, with continued growth year on year. Due to continued business growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Business Development Chef to join the Chapter One team. Reporting to our Food Director, you will be joining a growing Food team that is making a real impact on the success of Impact Food Group.
What you will be doing:
- Sales Presentations & Business Retention
- Preparing and presenting in their region (and supporting neighbouring presentations).
- Retention – supporting with added value and business retention presentations – Including auditing and development plans for the sites.
- Deliver a centre of excellence for each brand, supporting and developing the food offer (in line with the Brand Standards).
- Implement a PVR.
- Maintain the highest standards of Health and Safety, and food safety.
- Hosting schools that are struggling to maintain standards to develop teams.
- Mobilisation support – doing site visits and driving brand standard audits.
- Identifying Talent
- Building a team to support with presentations.
- Pipelining future talent in the business and supporting growth from the Regional Support Chefs.
- Food Development
- Pressure testing recipes.
- Localising the offer to fit the needs of the business to ensure local sales are not being missed due to regional demands.
- Hospitality cover/support – driving more sales in this area.
What we are looking for:
- Formal culinary qualification NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent with 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Computer literate, Microsoft Office programmes (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint), alongside our Catering management systems.
- A strong understanding of menu/concept development, cost controls and operations.
- Excellent leadership, communication (both in person and on email and teams), and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve high performance.
What We’d Love to Give You:
- Competitive salary.
- Bonus payable upon team hitting target.
- 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Access to our extensive online Learning platform and development opportunities.
- An employee wellbeing platform.
- Access to a salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
- IFG rewards for high street discounts.
- Annual Summer Party with company awards.
Additional Details:
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 we 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.
Business Development Chef (M4) in Reading employer: Impact Food Group
At Impact Food Group, we pride ourselves on being more than just a school caterer; we are dedicated to fostering a positive food culture that enhances student wellbeing. Our vibrant work environment in Surrey encourages continuous learning and growth, offering employees access to extensive training and development opportunities, along with competitive benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and a staff discount scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Chef (M4) in Reading
✨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 Business Development Chef (M4) in Reading
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!
