Area Chef Manager — Lead High-Spec School Kitchens

Impact Food Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Daytime hours

Ongoing training & career progression

Free culinary qualifications

Staff discount scheme

Monthly team incentives

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is recruiting for an Area Chef Manager to lead high-spec kitchens in Reading and surrounding areas. You will oversee dining services for independent schools, ensuring fresh, seasonal meals and exceptional standards.

You'll manage a team, plan menus, control budgets, and maintain food hygiene. The role includes events and client functions, with daytime hours and opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a professional or high-standard kitchen, ideally in independent schools or premium catering environments.
• Ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at a consistently high standard.
• Strong people management and team leadership skills.
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, budgets, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop your catering team.
• Prepare and serve fresh, seasonal meals to a high standard.
• Plan menus, manage stock, and control budgets.
• Ensure all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met.
• Build strong relationships with school clients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the smooth running of service from prep to finish.
• Plan and execute catering events, banquets, and special functions.

Skills

Kitchen management

People management

Menu planning

Food safety & hygiene

Budgeting & stock control

Education

Catering/Hospitality qualification

Job description

Impact Food Group (IFG) is recruiting for an Area Chef Manager to lead high-spec kitchens in Reading and surrounding areas. You will oversee dining services for independent schools, ensuring fresh, seasonal meals and exceptional standards.

You'll manage a team, plan menus, control budgets, and maintain food hygiene. The role includes events and client functions, with daytime hours and opportunities for progression.