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 growth.
- Other info: Work-life balance with no evenings or weekends, plus monthly team incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious and enjoyable meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ 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.
School Location: Eastwick Primary & Infant School, Leatherhead, KT23
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-2.30pm (37.5 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year
Pay Details: £31,500 per Annum
What will I be doing?
- As a Cook Manager, you’ll lead 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
What are we looking for?
- We’re looking for an experienced Cook/Chef Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for food.
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high‑volume catering environments
- Skilled 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
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
What’s in it for you?
- 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
- Plus: Opportunities for training, development, and career progression
- Access to free qualifications
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
- Monthly team incentives, including chances to win shopping vouchers
Next steps
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.
Cook Manager in Reigate employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at Eastwick Primary & Infant School in Leatherhead. With a focus on work-life balance, employees enjoy daytime hours with no evenings or weekends, alongside opportunities for professional growth through training and development. The company fosters a culture of teamwork and recognition, providing free meals during shifts, uniforms, and monthly incentives, making it a rewarding place to build a career in school catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Reigate
✨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 Reigate
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!
