Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic andhands-on ChefManager to ensure the efficientdelivery of services to our client, meeting agreed quality and financialtargets. This role blends operational leadership with a strong presence inthe kitchen to improve food quality, maintain food safety, enhance the customerjourney, and drive sales and margins. You will develop and support yourpeople, set and review objectives, and foster a high-performance culture withexcellent morale. With a focus on client satisfaction, financial results,and continuous improvement, you will ensure our catering and cleaning operationsmeet the highest standards.
What You'll Do:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the delivery of catering and cleaning services to agreed client standards, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, KPIs, and all relevant health, safety, and food safety regulations.
• Team Management & Development: Lead, coach, and mentor staff to achieve high performance, provide ongoing training, conduct performance reviews, and maintain strong morale and engagement.
• Quality & Customer Experience: Maintain and improve food quality, service standards, and cleanliness, ensuring excellent customer satisfaction through innovative menus, special events, and consistent service delivery.
• Financial & Business Performance: Manage budgets, control labour and purchasing costs, drive sales and margins, and identify opportunities for business growth within the contract and wider market.
• Compliance & Auditing: Ensure statutory and company compliance across catering and cleaning operations, conduct regular audits, and implement corrective actions to achieve top audit scores.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong client relationships, attend meetings, provide reports, and respond proactively to feedback to ensure operational excellence and contract retention.

What You Bring:

• Qualified & Experienced: Holds 706/1 and 706/2 (or equivalent) with at least three years' experience in a similar catering and cleaning management role (desirable but not essential).
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to oversee catering and cleaning services to the highest standards, meeting KPIs, contractual requirements, and all health, safety, and food safety legislation.
• Leadership Skills: A strong people manager who can coach, mentor, and develop teams, driving performance, morale, and a positive workplace culture.
• Customer Focus: Passionate about delivering exceptional service, improving food quality, and enhancing the customer journey through innovation and attention to detail.
• Commercial Awareness: Skilled at managing budgets, controlling costs, boosting sales and margins, and identifying opportunities for business growth.
• Proactive & Hands-On: Leads by example, builds strong client relationships, resolves issues swiftly, and thrives in a fast-paced, multi-service environment.

What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more thana job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in acompany and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have animpact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your ownway. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Apply today,start this weekend, and be part of something bigger!
Sodexo reservesthe right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number ofapplications
Attached documents
Salary 35500 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits Package
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/1215451/148477
Contract Type Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date 13 October, 2025
Job Category Catering Management
Business Unit UK Corporate Services
Location Leek, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 29 September, 2025

Skills Required