At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-spec kitchen, serving fresh meals and managing a passionate team.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, dedicated to quality and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with ongoing training and monthly incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through fantastic food and exceptional service.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-standard kitchens and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ 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. We’re looking for people who are passionate about great service, fantastic food, and making a positive impact.
About the role
- School Location: York House School, Rickmansworth, WD3 4LW
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: Either 7.30am-4.30pm or 10.30pm-7.30pm (45 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 52 weeks per year (28 days holiday)
- Pay Details: £45,000 per Annum
What will I be doing?
As a Chef Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for running a high-spec kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to students every day at our independent schools. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll manage your team, maintain exceptional standards, and ensure smooth, professional service. You’ll also be involved in catering events, parent functions, and special school occasions, delivering food to the highest presentation and quality standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals to a high standard
- Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
- Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
- Building strong relationships with school clients, boarding staff, and stakeholders
- Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
- Planning, preparing, and executing catering events, banquets, and special functions
We’re not in the business of making school food - we’re here to make great food, and that’s why our clients and customers love us.
What are we looking for?
- Experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-spec catering and strong leadership skills
- Proven experience managing a professional or high-standard kitchen, ideally in independent schools or premium catering environments
- Ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at a consistently high standard
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, budgets, and compliance
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach with pride in maintaining exceptional standards
- Experience or willingness to support catering events and client functions
If you thrive in a high-standard, professional environment and enjoy leading teams to deliver exceptional food, this is the role for you.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary
- Daytime hours, with some flexibility for events
- Free meals on shift
- Opportunities for ongoing training, development, and career progression
- Access to free culinary qualifications
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
- Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers
This is your opportunity to lead a high-spec kitchen, work on premium catering events, and develop your career in an exceptional environment. 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Rickmansworth
✨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 Chef Manager in Rickmansworth
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!
