At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join one of England's fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no evenings or weekends, and access to training and discounts.
- Other info: Build meaningful relationships with students while enjoying a fantastic work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and positive experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 17092 - 17092 £ 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: Vale of York - Secondary, Clifton, YO30 6ZS (& Local schools)
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 8am - 2pm (30 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time, inset days)
Pay Details: £17,092.50 per year
What will I be doing?
As a Chef, you’ll support the onsite Chef Manager in delivering high-quality, freshly prepared meals for students and staff.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation of main meals and snacks
- Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients for high-volume service (200+ covers)
- Supporting with occasional counter service and till work
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment at all times
What are we looking for?
We’re simply looking for great chefs who care about food.
- Experience as a chef, ideally within a school or contract catering environment (but not essential)
- A passion for cooking with fresh ingredients and delivering quality food
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
- Reliability and pride in maintaining high standards
We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we’re proud to have chefs with restaurant-quality experience working in our schools. If you’re passionate about food and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.
This role offers a fantastic work-life balance:
- No evenings or weekends
- School holidays off
- No late nights or split shifts
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
- Free meals on shift
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
- A staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
You’ll also have the chance to build meaningful relationships with students, helping them explore new cuisines and develop a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
Interested?
If you think you’ve got what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note: A trade test 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 check, which IFG 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.
Cook in Ripon employer: Impact Food Group
Contact Detail:
Impact Food Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Ripon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission of providing quality food for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role involves a trade test, make sure you’re ready to whip up some delicious meals. Try cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients to showcase your passion for quality food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to talk teamwork! This job is all about collaboration in a fast-paced kitchen. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve worked well with others and how you can contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Impact Food Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Ripon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or moments that highlight your passion for using fresh ingredients and creating delicious meals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in a kitchen, especially in high-volume settings, and mention how you can contribute to our mission of making great food for students.
Keep It Clean and Professional: Just like in the kitchen, presentation matters! Ensure your application is well-organised and free from typos. A clean, professional look will show us that you take pride in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are commonly used in school meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you can incorporate these ingredients into your cooking. This shows your passion for quality food and your understanding of what students enjoy.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy kitchen, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you supported colleagues or contributed to a positive kitchen environment. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about safe food handling practices and how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. This will show that you take pride in your work and understand the importance of safety in a school setting.
✨Prepare for the Trade Test
Since a trade test is part of the recruitment process, practice your cooking skills ahead of time. Think about how you can showcase your ability to prepare high-quality meals under pressure. Being well-prepared will help you feel more confident and make a great impression.