Chef

Impact Food Group; Basildon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Ongoing training and career progressio

Access to free qualifications

Staff discount scheme across 850+ 1

Job summary

Impact Food Group in the Basildon area is seeking a dedicated Chef to join our school catering team. You’ll assist the onsite Chef Manager, preparing high-quality, freshly cooked meals for students and staff, and help deliver meals for 200+ covers daily.

This role offers a stable term-time schedule (37 weeks per year) with no evenings or weekends, plus benefits such as free meals on shift, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities within our expanding school catering service.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef, ideally within a school or contract catering environment.
• 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.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of main meals and snacks
• Cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients for high-volume service (200+ covers)
• Support with occasional counter service and till work
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment

Skills

Chef experience

High-volume kitchen

Teamwork

Food hygiene

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.

About the role

Job Title: Chef

School Location: New School Location near Basildon/Brentwood area

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (hours per week)

Working Weeks: 37weeks 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?

We’re not going to overload you with buzzwords - we’re simply looking for great chefs who care about food.

• 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.

We’re not in the business of making school food, we’re here to make great food. That’s why our customers love us.

What’s in it for 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.

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 requiredtoundergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG supply the cost for.

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