At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, school holidays off, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Build meaningful relationships with students while enjoying a great 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
About the role:
- School Location: Teddington School
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4pm (42.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
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?
- 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. We’re not in the business of making school food, we’re here to make great food. That’s why our customers love us.
What’s in it for you?
This role offers a fantastic work-life balance:
- 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
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 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.
Chef in Teddington employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for chefs to work in a vibrant school environment in Teddington. With a strong commitment to employee development, IFG provides ongoing training and free qualifications, ensuring that you can grow your culinary skills while enjoying a fantastic work-life balance with school holidays off and no late nights. Join us in making a meaningful impact on students' lives through delicious, nutritious meals, all while being part of a supportive team that values quality and creativity in food preparation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Teddington
✨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 in Teddington
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!
