Chef Manager

Impact Food Group; Rainham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Free meals on shift

Staff discount scheme

Team incentives

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Chef Manager for Harris Academy Rainham to lead a high-volume school kitchen, delivering fresh, seasonal meals daily. This hands-on, leadership role focuses on team management, maintaining high standards, and efficient service within term-time hours.

You will manage staff, plan menus, control stock and budgets, and ensure food hygiene and safety compliance while building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments.
• Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes.
• Strong people management and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team.
• Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume.
• Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets.
• Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met.
• Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders.
• Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Team leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Proactive approach

Tools

Kitchen operations

Stock control

Compliance

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.

The role…

Job Title: Chef Manager

School Location: Harris Academy Rainham - RM13 9XD

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4:30pm (45 hours per week)

Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)

Pay Details: £35,000 Per Annum

What will I be doing?

As a Chef Manager, you'll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students every day. This is a hands-on, leadership role where you'll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
• Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume
• Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
• Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
• Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
• Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish

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

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills.

• Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
• Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes
• Strong people management and team leadership skills
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, hands-on approach and pride in maintaining high standards

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy leading teams to deliver great food, this could be the role for you.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a fantastic work-life balance:

• Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends
• All school holidays off
• Free meals on shift and uniform provided

Plus, you’ll benefit from:

• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Access to free qualifications
• Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers

This is your opportunity to lead a high-volume kitchen, develop your career, and make a real difference in students’ lives.

Please note: An interview, trade test 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.