Cook

Impact Food Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Ongoing training and career progress

Access to free qualifications

Staff discount scheme

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is seeking a Cook at Cottenham Village College, Cambridge. You’ll support the onsite Chef Manager and team to prepare nutritious meals for students and staff, following set menus and safety standards.

We offer a Monday–Friday term-time schedule (7am–2:30pm), 39 weeks per year, with a great work-life balance, free meals on shift, ongoing training, and opportunities to grow within a supportive catering group.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment preferred
• Basic cooking skills and willingness to learn and develop
• A positive, reliable, and team-focused attitude
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
• A genuine interest in preparing good, fresh food
• You don’t need to be a fully trained chef, we’re happy to support growth and development

Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking a range of meals and snacks following set menus
• Supporting with food prep using fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Assisting with service, including occasional counter service and till work
• Ensuring food is prepared and presented to a high standard
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment
• Following food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures at all times

Skills

Cooking skills

Team player

Food safety

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.

About The Role

Job Title: Cook

School Location: Cottenham Village College, Cottenham, CB24 8UA

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-2.30pm (35 hours per week)

Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)

Pay Details: £22198.75 per Annum

What will I be doing?

As a Cook, you’ll support the onsite Chef Manager and wider team in delivering fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff.

• Preparing and cooking a range of meals and snacks following set menus
• Supporting with food prep using fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Assisting with service, including occasional counter service and till work
• Ensuring food is prepared and presented to a high standard
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and dining environment
• Following food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures at all times

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who enjoys cooking and takes pride in the food they produce.

• Previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment preferred (school catering is a bonus, not essential)
• Basic cooking skills and willingness to learn and develop
• A positive, reliable, and team-focused attitude
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety standards
• A genuine interest in preparing good, fresh food

You don’t need to be a fully trained chef, we’re happy to support the right person to grow and develop their skills.

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’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

This is a great opportunity to build your skills in a supportive environment and develop a career in catering.

Interested?

If you think you’ve got what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!

Please note: A basic skills or kitchen-based assessment may 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 check, which IFG supply the cost 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.