Chef

Sodexo; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading provider of essential services in Exeter is seeking a Chef to prepare high-quality meals in a hospital setting. You will manage a section of the kitchen, ensuring compliance with standards and training junior staff. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in catering, strong culinary and communication skills, and a commitment to food safety. This role offers competitive pay and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Free meal on shift

Uniform provided

Mental health resources

Flexible working

Competitive pay

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in high-volume catering, including Sous Chef and shift leadership roles.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication abilities.
• Strong culinary skills with high personal presentation standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and quality standards.
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Culinary skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Team management

Education

City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent NVQ

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• 21 Hours Per Week / 3 Days over 7 / Various early and late shifts - Weekday 7am to 2pm and 10am to 7pm, Weekends Sat 7am to 6.30pm and Sunday 7am to 1pm
• £13.58 per hour + any enhancements
• Free meal on shift, uniform provided, free parking on site, work life balance and sociable hours, Sodexo Benefits
• 20 Days Holiday per year + Bank holidays
• Location is Exeter Nuffield Hospital

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is: Wonford Road, Exeter, EX2 4UG

Please take the time to read the attached job description

Job Introduction

Bring your passion to the plate. Make a difference every day.

As a Chef at Sodexo in Exeter Nuffield Hospital, you'll play a vital role in preparing high-quality meals that support patient wellbeing and enhance the overall dining experience. You'll be responsible for managing your own section of the kitchen, ensuring every dish meets our high standards. If you're passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a purpose-driven team - this is the role for you. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your way.

What you'll do:

• Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and quality standards
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development
• Support, guide, and train junior chefs and kitchen staff
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety, hygiene, cleanliness, COSHH, and fire safety regulations
• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen environment
• Oversee effective kitchen operations by managing team performance, service delivery, and adherence to Sodexo policies and standards.
• Order provisions through approved Sodexo systems and suppliers, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across all kitchen and service areas, promptly reporting and resolving maintenance issues.
• Ensure all compliance documentation (SMS, HACCP, COSHH, temperature logs, etc.) is completed accurately and on time.
• Successfully prepare for and pass all internal and external audits, including Safeguard, EHO, and Nuffield.
• Manage staff training, rotas, and labour budgets, ensuring performance, development, and service excellence.
• Complete monthly billing, account closures, and email correspondence accurately and within deadlines.
• Demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and resilience, maintaining high standards of conduct, accuracy, and presentation.

What you bring:

• General secondary education or equivalent, with strong English and Maths skills.
• City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent NVQ
• Excellent written and spoken English communication abilities.
• Holds (or working toward) Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in high-volume catering, including Sous Chef and shift leadership roles.
• Proven management experience in team development and performance.
• Strong culinary, organisational, and problem-solving skills with high personal presentation standards.
• Proficient in IT, including Word and Excel, with sound understanding of food allergies, special diets, and labelling.
• Knowledgeable of current food industry trends and committed to maintaining high professional standards.
• Food hygiene level 3 is desirable

What we offer:

Working at Sodexo isn't just a job - it's a chance to make a difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive team, act with purpose, and thrive in a role where your work matters. We also offer a range of benefits to support you and your loved ones:

• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial/legal advice & personal support)
• Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Discounts on high street brands for you and your family
• Salary finance tools and financial wellbeing resources
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Opportunities to gain experience through learning and development.
• Cycle to Work scheme & volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible working and a dynamic team environment
• Competitive pay

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply now and bring your energy, purpose, and passion to Sodexo.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications - so don't wait!

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 100 million 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, So Together, 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.

Clickhereto read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.