Cook Manager: Lead Fresh School Meals Team (Term Time)

Impact Food Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal on shift

Provided uniform

Training and progression opportunities

Staff discount scheme

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Cook Manager to lead a school kitchen in Ashford, Surrey, delivering fresh, seasonal meals to students each day. This hands-on management role oversees the kitchen, supports the team, and ensures smooth service.

Working Monday to Friday, with term-time weeks and inset days, you will manage stock, plan menus, and maintain high food hygiene standards while liaising with onsite clients and stakeholders. Excellent leadership and food preparation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Kitchen management

Leadership

Team leadership

Food preparation

Organisation & communication

Job description

Impact Food Group is seeking a Cook Manager to lead a school kitchen in Ashford, Surrey, delivering fresh, seasonal meals to students each day. This hands-on management role oversees the kitchen, supports the team, and ensures smooth service.

Working Monday to Friday, with term-time weeks and inset days, you will manage stock, plan menus, and maintain high food hygiene standards while liaising with onsite clients and stakeholders. Excellent leadership and food preparation skills are essential.