Chef Manager - High-Volume School Kitchen, Daytime Hours

Impact Food Group; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Staff discounts

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Chef Manager for a high-volume school kitchen in Ashford. You will lead a team, plan menus, and serve fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students daily. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, stock control, and adherence to food safety standards.

The role runs Monday–Friday, 6am–3:30pm (45 hours/week) during 42 weeks of term time plus inset days and 3 additional weeks. £38,000 per annum with DBS checks and safeguarding obligations.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments.
• Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal meals 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

High-volume catering

Team leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Budget control

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

Impact Food Group is seeking a Chef Manager for a high-volume school kitchen in Ashford. You will lead a team, plan menus, and serve fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students daily. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, stock control, and adherence to food safety standards.

The role runs Monday–Friday, 6am–3:30pm (45 hours/week) during 42 weeks of term time plus inset days and 3 additional weeks. £38,000 per annum with DBS checks and safeguarding obligations.