Area Support Chef

Impact Food Group; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Company pension

Mileage paid between sites

Staff discount scheme

Training & career progression

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is recruiting a Central Support Chef to join our team and support a portfolio of schools in London. This mobile role requires a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle. You will cover across sites, assist with training, support site mobilisation, and uphold high standards of food quality and service.

Working days are Monday to Friday (45 hours/week, 42 weeks/year). Offering £35,000 per annum with mileage expenses paid, the role includes free meals on shift,

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.

Responsibilities

• Covering chef manager absences across sites.
• Training and developing onsite catering teams.

Skills

Chef Manager

Leadership

Organisation

Flexibility

Job description

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.

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: London - South and West

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 45 hours per week

Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year

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

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

What’s this all about?

• 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.

• 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 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.