Chef Manager

Impact Food Group; Walsall; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Ongoing training & development

Staff discount scheme

Career progression opportunities

DSB check and safeguarding compliance

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen at a school site in Great Barr, with a view to moving to another IFG site. The role is a maternity cover, Monday to Friday, 7am–4:30pm, 45 hours per week, term-time weeks (42 per year) with holiday flexibility.

You will manage a catering team, plan menus, control stock and budgets, and uphold food safety standards. Salary £34,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus ongoing training, uniform provided, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering.
• Ability to cook fresh, seasonal meals 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 food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
• Building relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
• Overseeing service from prep to finish

Skills

Leadership

High-volume catering

Team management

Food safety

Organisation

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.

The role…

Job Title: ChefManager / Relief Chef Manager

School Location: Maternity Cover at Q3 Academy Great Barr- then move to anotherIFG site

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4.30pm (45hours per week)

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

Pay Details: £34,000 Annum depending on experience

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.

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.