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.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and opportunities for training and career growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with monthly incentives and discounts at over 850 retailers.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's eating habits while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for preparing fresh food.
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.
The role is based at Eastwick Primary & Infant School, Leatherhead, KT23, working Monday to Friday from 7am to 2.30pm (37.5 hours per week) for 42 weeks per year, with a pay of £31,500 per annum.
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
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
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
You’ll also have the chance to help children explore healthy eating and build positive food habits that last a lifetime.
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 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: Job Search Place Limited
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance with daytime hours and all school holidays off. Employees benefit from free meals during shifts, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on children's health through nutritious meal provision. With a commitment to equal opportunities and employee wellbeing, IFG stands out as a rewarding place to grow your career in the school catering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or dish that highlights your culinary talents. Bring it along to interviews or share photos on social media to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Get to know Impact Food Group and their values. Tailor your conversation during interviews to show how your passion for food aligns with their mission of providing nutritious meals for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your passion for cooking and how it connects to the role of Cook Manager. We want to see your enthusiasm for delivering fresh, seasonal meals.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated and developed teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same with us at Impact Food Group.
Be Organised and Clear:Keep your application neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. This reflects your organisational skills, which are crucial for managing a busy kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the types of meals that Impact Food Group serves. Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be incorporated into school menus. This shows your passion for food and your ability to create nutritious meals for students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated and developed your team. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards relevant to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards and keeping students safe.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the school's approach to healthy eating and how you can contribute. Engaging with the interviewers shows your enthusiasm for the role and your interest in making a positive impact on students' eating habits.
