Job Description

Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days (Earliest shift starts 6am and latest shift finishes 7:30pm- hospitality as and when required)
Uniform and meal on duty provided
Are you a passionate, innovative chef with a flair for leadership and a love for efficient preparation and service of all meals? Are you ready to use your skills to assist in the effective operation of a kitchen through the provision of team management and service delivery in King's School, Rochester one of England's oldest schools
We're looking for a dynamic Senior Chef to join our culinary team - a true food ambassador who thrives on variety, challenge, and the opportunity to shape the future of school dining.
What's the Role?
As our Senior Chef, you'll support the catering team to deliver all core services and hospitality across the school estate and be a visible and trusted Senior Chef for Sodexo at King's School, Rochester.
What you will Do

• Assist in the management of food standards and quality across all areas during all stages of food preparation and production.
• Ensure that all dishes are prepared, always cooked and served to the highest standard in line with menu specifications.
• Lead the team to ensure the prompt and efficient preparation and service of all meals, being provided to the standard of the food service offer as agreed standards and specification.
• To demonstrate excellent knowledge of Sodexo's Allergen Management processes and procedures as per HSEQ standards.
• Ensure minimum wastage occurs within the kitchen, implementing ideas for reducing wastage wherever possible
• Work with the Catering Manager to complete stock takes and month end process.
• Manage the ordering process for School House.
• To work as a team to promote harmonious working relationship within the Sodexo team and to report any inappropriate behaviour.
• Assist the Catering Manager in ensuring that all accountable staff are adequately trained and skilled to the required level and standard.
• Ensure all required health & safety records and procedures are always adhered to, including stock rotation and temperature records.
• Ensure that all equipment used in the kitchen is in safe working order. Report any faults to the relevant manager.
• Comply with all Company & client policies, procedures and statutory regulations including Human Resources, site rules, Health & Safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire and COSHH. This will include your awareness of any specific hazards in your workplace.

Please see full attached below
What We're Looking For
Essential

• At least 3 years' experience within 4/5-star hotel restaurant or contract catering environment
• Previous experience at Sous Chef level
• Excellent culinary skills
• City Guilds Levels 7061/7062, NVQ Level 3 as a minimum with a view to be working towards the next level.
• Hold valid 'Intermediate Food Hygiene' certificate
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Strong problem solving and organisational skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Basic IT skills with knowledge of word and excel
• High standards of personal presentation
• Previous relevant experience

Desirable

• Management experience
• Knowledge of Safer Recruitment and working in educational establishments
• Good awareness of industry standards and evolution of the food industry.

Why Join Us?
This is a career-defining opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry, in settings that shape future leaders. You'll help craft exceptional food experiences, influence culinary direction, and mentor rising stars - all while working in England's most beautiful and inspiring educational environments.
Ready to stir things up and elevate school dining? Apply now and bring your passion, creativity, and leadership to the forefront of food innovation.
Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
• Membership in Pension Plan to help you save for your future.
• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.
• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?
If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it.
Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey. Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.
Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
Sodexo are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children within schools. All successful candidates will undergo appropriate background, DBS(disclosure) and vetting checks.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture. The Job description, rewards and Benefits guide is attached
Salary 33,000 - 35,000 per annum
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/2068095/150665
Contract Type Permanent
Closing Date 28 November, 2025
Job Category Chefs
Business Unit UK Schools
Location Rochester, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 14 November, 2025

Skills Required