Chef

Sodexo; Newbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the United Kingdom seeks a Chef to prepare and serve meals for students and staff. The ideal candidate will have experience catering for groups of 100-150 and a NVQ Level 2 in Catering. This position involves leading kitchen operations and fostering a positive team culture. The role provides numerous benefits, including a competitive salary and supportive work environment.

Benefits

24/7 wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities for career growth

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible workplace

Qualifications

• Experience working as a Chef in a catering environment.
• Ability to lead kitchen operations and develop junior team members.
• Commitment to food safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals that meet high quality standards.
• Lead daily kitchen operations.
• Motivate junior team members.

Skills

Catering experience for 100-150 people

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Ability to work independently

Food presentation skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Catering or equivalent

Job description

If you love creating food that makes people feel cared for, this is your chance to shine. As a Chef at Sodexo, you'll play a vital role in shaping daily life for students and staff-serving meals that fuel learning, comfort, and community. And you'll do it in a team that celebrates your ideas, supports your growth, and empowers you to thrive. This isn't just another kitchen job. It's a place where what you cook truly matters.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, cook, and serve fresh, tasty meals that bring joy to students and House staff.
• Lead daily kitchen operations and take ownership of your personal development.
• Bring creativity, quality, and consistency to our catering and hospitality service.
• Motivate and guide junior team members, building a positive, supportive kitchen culture.
• Champion food safety and service excellence – train others to do the same.
• Keep equipment and kitchen areas spotless, organised, and running smoothly.
• Maintain the highest standards from prep to plate, ensuring every dish hits the mark.
• Follow set procedures while bringing your own passion and flair to the role.

If you love food and love making a difference, you'll feel right at home.

We’re Looking For a Chef Who Is

• Passionate, proactive, and ready to step up.
• Has experience catering for 100‑150 people.
• Has NVQ Level 2 in Catering (or equivalent).
• Has hands‑on experience as a Chef.
• Possesses strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Can shine both independently and within a team.
• Has a calm, confident approach when the heat is on.
• Pride in producing food that looks great and tastes even better.

Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday 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.

Benefits

• 24/7 wellbeing support and mental health resources.
• An Employee Assistance Programme for financial, legal, and personal advice.
• Access to a wellbeing app with rewards, a virtual GP, and lifestyle tools.
• Discounts for you, friends, and family on top brands and experiences.
• Financial support tools via Salary Finance.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• Death in Service benefit.
• Huge opportunities to learn, grow, and build your career.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.
• A flexible, welcoming, dynamic workplace.
• Competitive pay.
• Full training and protective uniform.