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:                                          Relief Chef Manager

Area Supporting:                            Covering Essex and East London

Working Days:                                 Monday to Friday

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

Working Weeks:                              42 weeks per year ( term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)

Pay Details:                                     ##salaryfrom Annum 

This is a mobile position, a full UK driving license is required.

What will I be doing?

As a Relief Chef Manager, you’ll travel between sites, stepping in to lead kitchens and deliver high-quality, fresh food. You’ll be hands-on while also managing teams, ensuring smooth service and maintaining compliance with all standards.

Your duties will include:

• Cooking from our amazing menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Leading and motivating a full kitchen team
• Ordering and managing stock to maintain efficiency and quality
• Being financially accountable for achieving GP/COGs targets
• Maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and operational procedures

We’re not in the business of making school food—we’re here to make great food, and that’s why our clients and customers love us.

Skills & Experience

We’re looking for someone with proven leadership, strong technical skills, and the ability to thrive in varied environments:

• Experienced Chef Manager with multi-site or high-volume experience
• Strong leadership and team motivation skills
• Technical cooking ability and passion for great food
• Ability to maintain high standards in challenging environments
• Organisational and administrative skills
• Relevant food hygiene and food preparation qualifications

You’ll be comfortable liaising with onsite clients and leading your team to deliver excellent service every day.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers a fantastic work-life balance:

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

Plus:

• Opportunities for training, career development, and free qualifications
• Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers

This is a great chance to gain diverse experience, grow your career, and make a real difference across multiple sites.

Next steps

If you’ve got the skills, leadership, and passion for food to succeed in this mobile role, 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 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.