Chef Manager

Impact Food Group; Whetsted; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Training & progression opportunities

Free qualifications

Staff discount scheme

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Chef Manager to run a high-volume school kitchen at Mascalls Academy, Paddock Wood. The role is a hands-on leadership position with responsibility for a dedicated catering team, menus, stock, and budgets, delivering fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students daily.

You will ensure food hygiene and safety standards, foster strong client relationships, and drive smooth service from prep through to finish.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

High-volume catering

Team management

Menu planning

Stock management

Budgeting

Hygiene & safety

Communication skills

Organisational skills

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

School Location: Mascalls Academy, Paddock Wood, TN12 6LT

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 6:30am-4pm (45hours per week)

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

Pay Details: £40,000 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.