Job Description

Are you a passionate and experienced chef ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a prestigious educational setting? We're seeking a talented Head Chef to take the reins of its culinary operation, delivering high-quality meals for pupils and staff, as well as managing hospitality and catering events to an exceptional standard. This is a rare opportunity to shape menus, mentor a team, and work collaboratively with senior leadership in a role that balances creativity, responsibility, and purpose-supporting both wellbeing and education through food.
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.
What you'll do:

• To organise and assist in the preparation and presentation of all meals service at the required times and to the required standard.
• To ensure that the Company and Statutory Regulations pertaining to the safe and hygienic operation of the kitchen and ancillary areas are adhered to by all members of staff and visitors in the absence of management.
• To assist the management when required with planning menus, rotas, orders, and receiving, checking and storing deliveries as requested. To complete DRVIE system and ensure recipe cards for all main meals.
• To ensure all work areas and surfaces areas clean and tidy as is practical at all times, especially at the end of the day/shift.
• To assist the Manager to recruit, support, control and discipline staff according to the needs of the unit within the procedure laid down by the company. To keep records of any disciplinary issues and keep the District Manager and Human Resources Manager informed of these.
• To take all necessary steps to ensure maximum security of the kitchen, store, office and any other areas under Sodexo control.
• To assist as required for services when on duty the cleaning down of the unit.
• To assist the Management to monitor the performance of staff and provide training and coaching as necessary.
• To prepare all food with due care and attention, particularly in regard to customers' special dietary requirements: for example, allergies or food intolerances.
• To carry out any reasonable request by management.
• Organise and prepare any special functions which may sometimes be outside of normal working hours during term time and ad-hoc during the summer break.
• To work with the wider Sodexo culinary team and attend as necessary any training courses and events which maybe be pertinent to the Head Chef role.

For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description
What you bring:

• Experienced head chef who has led and operated in a client facing environment
• Ability to achieve and set standards and operate to performance criteria, with particular regard to hygiene
• Positive approach to learning in role and identifying own training needs as appropriate
• Self-motivated with a sense of own initiative
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Flexible approach to role during term time with potential non term time activity.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staff
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure

Desirable

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• 706/2 or NVQ2 chef qualification, or equivalent

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

• Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.
• Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Discounts & Financial Benefits: Exclusive deals through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, alongside insights and savings via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Retirement Planning: Join the Sodexo Retirement Plan to secure your future.
• Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.
• Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.

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.
Attached documents
Salary 32000 per annum(negotiable)
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/2068095/146226
Contract Type Permanent
Closing Date 19 August, 2025
Job Category Chefs
Business Unit UK Schools
Location Somerset, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 05 August, 2025