Area Support Chef

Impact Food Group; Epsom; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Company pension scheme

Mileage reimbursement

Staff discount scheme

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is recruiting a Central Support Chef with an area focus to cover Epsom, Chertsey, Leatherhead and surrounding areas. The role involves supporting a portfolio of schools, training onsite teams, and stepping into multi-site coverage as needed.

You will report to the Operations Manager, oversee chef managers across sites, and ensure high standards of food quality, service and compliance.

Qualifications

• Previous Chef Manager experience (ideally within secondary education).
• A genuine passion for food and customer service.
• Strong craft skills and the ability to lead by example.
• Excellent organisation, flexibility, and resilience.
• The ability to prioritise and adapt across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Covering chef manager absences across sites.
• Supporting with the training and development of onsite catering teams.
• Assisting with the mobilisation of new contracts.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, service, and compliance.
• Providing hands‑on kitchen support when required.

Skills

Chef Manager

Leadership

Training & development

Multi-site coordination

Flexibility

Job description

Impact Food Group (IFG)is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers,serving aroundone million students every dayacross more than1,500 schools.We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.

Our brands includeInnovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.

We’re recruiting for a Central Support Chef to join our fantastic team, supporting a portfolio of schools. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll assist with training and developing onsite chefs, provide cover across sites, and play a key role in new site mobilisations.

Please note: As this is a mobile, area-based role, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

The role…

Job Title: Central Support Chef / Area Support

Area Covering: Covering Epsom, Chertsey, Leatherhead & Surrounding Areas

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 45hours per week

Working Weeks: 42weeks per year

Pay Details: £35,000 per annum, & mileage expenses

Benefits: Free meals on shift, uniform, pension and other great company benefits

What’s this all about?

Due to continued growth, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager to step into a broader, multi-site role.

You’ll work closely with the Operations Manager, supporting a group of schools by:

• Covering chef manager absences across sites
• Supporting with the training and development of onsite catering teams
• Assisting with the mobilisation of new contracts
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, service, and compliance
• Providing hands‑on kitchen support when required

We’re looking for someone with:

• Previous Chef Manager experience (ideally within secondary education)
• A genuine passion for food and customer service
• Strong craft skills and the ability to lead by example
• Excellent organisation, flexibility, and resilience
• The ability to prioritise and adapt across multiple sites

What’s in it for you?

This role offers a fantastic work‑life balance - no evenings, no weekends, no late nights, and all school holidays off.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Free meals on shift and provided uniform
• Paid mileage for travel between sites
• Access to a company pension scheme
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Free qualifications to support your growth
• A staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Monthly team incentives, including the chance to win shopping vouchers

We’ll give you the opportunity to build a career you can be proud of, within a supportive and growing business.

Please note: An interview and kitchen visit 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 requiredtoundergo an enhancedDBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for.

We area committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail withinyourapplication. Allinformation is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.