Cook Manager

Impact Food Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal on shift

Uniform provided

Staff discount

Training opportunities

Career progression

Qualification courses

Monthly incentives

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is seeking an experienced Cook Manager to oversee area responsibilities across Portsmouth schools, supporting onsite Cook/Chef managers, delivering fresh, seasonal meals, and upholding high standards in food hygiene and service.

The role is Monday to Friday during term-time with 7am-3:30pm shifts, 39 weeks per year, offering training and development opportunities and a DBS disclosure processed by IFG.

Qualifications

• 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

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

Skills

People management

Leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

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.

The role…

Job Title

Cook Manager - Area Support- Primary Schools

School Location

Portsmouth Area

Working Days

Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours

7am-3.30pm (40 hours per week)

Working Weeks

39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)

Pay Details

£27,000 per Annum

What will I be doing?

This is an area support role, overseeing 6 local primary schools in the Portsmouth area. You will support the onsite Cook / Chef managers, assist with training, audits, orders, HR and management duties. Covering any sickness and making sure all services run smoothly,

As a Area support 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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

• 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:

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

Plus:

• 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.

We note that 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.