Cook Manager

Impact Food Group; Bramhope; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daytime hours

No evenings/weekends

School holidays off

Free meal on shift

Provided uniform

Staff discount across retailers

Monthly incentives

Job summary

Impact Food Group is hiring a Cook Manager at Bramhope Primary School in Leeds to lead a kitchen team and deliver fresh, seasonal meals to students.

This hands-on management role runs 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during 39 term-time weeks per year, with daytime hours and no evenings.

The role focuses on maintaining high standards of food hygiene, team development, and effective liaison with on-site clients, while offering a strong work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering.
• Skilled in preparing fresh, seasonal meals.
• Strong people management and team leadership skills.
• Good organisation and clear communication.
• Hands-on approach with high standards.
• Solid knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate and develop the catering team.
• Prepare and serve fresh, seasonal meals for students.
• Plan menus, manage stock and ensure food safety compliance.
• Liaise with onsite clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure smooth service delivery.

Skills

Kitchen management

Seasonal cooking

People management

Organisational skills

Communication

Food hygiene

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.

Job Title

Cook Manager

School Location

Bramhope Primary School, Leeds, LS16

Working Days

Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours

7.30am-2.30pm (32.5 hours per week)

Working Weeks

39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)

Pay Details

£23,058.75 per Annum

What will I be doing?

As a Cook Manager, you’ll lead a friendly kitchen team to deliver fresh, seasonal meals to students each day. This is a hands‑on management role, where you’ll oversee the kitchen, support your team, and ensure smooth service.

Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
• Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals for the school
• Planning menus, managing stock, and ensuring compliance with food hygiene and safety standards
• Liaising directly with onsite clients and stakeholders
• Ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently

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 Cook/Chef Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for food.

Requirements

• Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
• Skilled in preparing fresh, seasonal food
• Strong people management and team leadership skills
• Good organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with pride in maintaining high standards
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations

What’s in it for you?

This role offers an excellent work-life balance.

Work-life balance benefits

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

Additional Benefits

• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression
• Access to free qualifications
• Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Monthly team incentives, including chances to win shopping vouchers

You’ll also have the chance to help children explore healthy eating and build positive food habits that last a lifetime.

Recruitment Process

Please note: An interview, trade test & 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.