Area Chef Manager

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.

We're looking for people who are passionate about great service, fantastic food, and making a positive impact.

About the role

Job Title: Area Chef Manager

School Location: North London Area

Working Days: Monday to Friday (some weekends)

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-4pm (45 hours per week)

Working Weeks: 52 weeks per year (5 weeks holiday)

Pay Details: £40,000 per Annum plus car allowance of £3840 per year (£320 per month)

What will I be doing?

As an Area Chef Manager, you will be supporting the operations team, covering sites, mobilising and training. You'll take full responsibility for running a high-spec kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to students every day at our independent schools. This is a hands on leadership role where you'll manage your team, maintain exceptional standards, and ensure smooth, professional service. You'll also be involved in catering events, parent functions, and special school occasions, delivering food to the highest presentation and quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
• Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals to a high standard
• Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
• Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
• Building strong relationships with school clients, boarding staff, and stakeholders
• Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
• Planning, preparing, and executing catering events, banquets, and special functions

What are we looking for?

We're looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-spec catering and strong leadership skills.

• Proven experience managing a professional or high-standard kitchen, ideally in independent schools or premium catering environments
• Ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at a consistently high standard
• Strong people management and team leadership skills
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, budgets, and compliance
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, hands on approach with pride in maintaining exceptional standards
• Experience or willingness to support catering events and client functions

What's in it for you?

• Daytime hours, with some flexibility for events
• Free meals on shift
• Opportunities for ongoing training, development, and career progression
• Access to free culinary qualifications
• Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers

Next steps

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

Please note: An interview, trade test, and 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 check, which IFG will pay for.

We are 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.