Job Description

At Sodexo, we're passionate about our people. We know that our teams are the key to delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for our clients, customers, and employees.
We are seeking a creative, passionate, and visionary Food Development Lead to craft a world-class food experience within a premium corporate environment. Based at our flagship client sites in Epsom and Derby, this new role is an exciting opportunity to shape a bold food culture that celebrates seasonality, sustainability, and innovation.
This is not just about managing operations, it's about redefining what workplace dining can be. You will lead a talented culinary team, inspire excellence, and bring high-end hospitality thinking into a dynamic corporate setting.
As a Food Development Lead you'll:

• Develop and deliver exceptional, seasonal, and trend-led menus that reflect quality and creativity.
• Lead, train, and inspire a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of passion, pride, and innovation.
• Ensure consistency and excellence across all sites, delivering memorable food experiences for clients and guests.
• Oversee compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Manage budgets effectively while maximising culinary impact and minimising waste.
• Champion sustainability, ethical sourcing, and zero-waste practices in all aspects of service.
• Build strong client relationships through tastings, presentations, and strategic engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement, encouraging team input, innovation, and professional growth.

What we're looking for:

• Proven background in high-end hospitality, restaurants, or premium contract catering.
• Culinary leader with the confidence to develop standout food concepts and manage operations end-to-end.
• Strong understanding of produce, flavours, and food trends.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Sound financial and operational management skills.
• Knowledge of UK Food Safety legislation with IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent qualifications desirable.
• Passionate about sustainability, seasonality, and creating meaningful food experiences.

Why Sodexo?:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.
Belong in a company and team that values you for you.
Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions.
Thrive in your own way.
We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies

A little more about Sodexo:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins.
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Click to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.
Ready to be part of something greater?
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications
Attached documents
Salary Up to 52500 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/1215451/151440
Contract Type Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date 18 December, 2025
Job Category Catering Management
Business Unit UK Corporate Services
Location Epsom, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 04 December, 2025

Skills Required