At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students using fresh ingredients in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join one of England's fastest-growing school food providers, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, no late nights, and school holidays off while developing your culinary skills.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by helping them enjoy nutritious and tasty food.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ 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: New School Opening - near Romford and surrounding area.
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)
- Working Weeks: 38 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
- Pay Details: £28,000 per Annum
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.
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.
Chef in Essex employer: leisurejobs
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where chefs can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a focus on work-life balance, you will enjoy no evenings or weekends, school holidays off, and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. Join us near Romford to create delicious, nutritious meals that foster a love for food in the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Impact Food Group and their brands. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since a trade test is part of the recruitment process, make sure you're comfortable with high-volume cooking and using fresh ingredients. Maybe even whip up some dishes to showcase your flair for food!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or chefs in similar roles. They can provide insider tips on what it's like to work at IFG and what they value in a candidate. Plus, it might just give you a leg up in the application process!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be able to keep track of your application status and any updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for using fresh ingredients and creating delicious meals. We want to see that you care about food as much as we do!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Chef at Impact Food Group. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in high-volume kitchens or school settings. This will show us that you understand what we're all about and how you can contribute.
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 layout will make a great first impression and reflect your attention to detail, which is crucial in our line of work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in school meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, showcasing your passion for fresh cooking.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy kitchen, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as this is crucial in a school setting.
✨Bring Your Can-Do Attitude
Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Share experiences where you've tackled challenges with a positive mindset, showing that you're ready to make a difference in students' lives through food.
