At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and serve delicious meals to students every day.
- Company: Join one of England's fastest-growing school food providers, Impact Food Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Work-life balance with all school holidays off and exciting monthly incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives with nutritious meals and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
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. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4pm (45 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)
What will I be doing?
As a Chef Manager, you'll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students every day. This is a hands-on, leadership role where you'll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
- Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume
- Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
- Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
- Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
- Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
What are we looking for?
We're looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills.
- Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
- Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach and pride in maintaining high standards
What's in it for you?
We offer a fantastic work-life balance:
- Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends
- All school holidays off
- Free meals on shift and uniform provided
Plus, you'll benefit from:
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Access to free qualifications
- Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers
Important Information
We 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.
Location: Stratford, Newham, Greater London, United Kingdom
Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon 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. As a Chef Manager, you will enjoy ongoing training and career progression opportunities while working in a dynamic environment dedicated to providing nutritious meals for students. With free meals on shift and monthly team incentives, IFG fosters a collaborative atmosphere where your leadership skills can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in school food services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or a dish that showcases your ability to create fresh, seasonal meals. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or catering companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like Chef Manager. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Impact Food Group. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for high-volume catering shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for preparing fresh, seasonal meals and how you can inspire your team to deliver top-notch service.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your previous experience managing a kitchen, especially in schools or similar environments. We’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of running a busy kitchen, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Organised:Keep your application clear and well-structured. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your skills and achievements. A tidy application reflects your organisational skills, which are crucial for this role.
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 Chef Manager position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 high-volume cooking. This will show your passion for fresh food and your ability to plan menus effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you're ready to take on the Chef Manager role.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Be ready to discuss food hygiene, safety standards, and compliance regulations. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, as this is crucial in a school environment. Showing that you prioritise safety will reassure the interviewers of your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, make an effort to connect with your interviewers. Ask questions about their experiences at Impact Food Group and express genuine interest in their work culture. Building a good rapport can set you apart and show that you’re a team player who values collaboration.
