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: Chef Manager
School Location: Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Shifts & Working hours: 6:30am - 4:00pm (45 hours per week)
Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks)
Pay Details: £32,000 Annum
What will I be doing?
As a Chef Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students every day. This is a hands-on, leadership role where you’ll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume
Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets
Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish
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 Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills.
Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments
Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes
Strong people management and team leadership skills
Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance
Excellent organisational and communication skills
A proactive, hands-on approach and pride in maintaining high standards
If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy leading teams to deliver great food, this could be the role for you.
What’s in it for you?
We offer a fantastic work-life balance:
Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends
All school holidays off
Free meals on shift and uniform provided
Plus, you’ll benefit from:
Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
Access to free qualifications
Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers
This is your opportunity to lead a high-volume kitchen, develop your career, and make a real difference in students’ lives.
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 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
Salary description
£32000.00 - £32000.00 per year