Chef

Independents by Sodexo; West Kirby; Remote; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic environment

Competitive pay

Training provided

No unsociable hours

Mental health support

EAP access

Discounts & benefits

Career progression

Cycle to work

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo at West Kirby Grammar School, Wirral, is seeking a Chef - Lead with Passion to oversee catering operations and mentor a kitchen team. You will manage budgets and ensure high-quality meals for students and staff.

The role offers 35 hours per week at £13.90 per hour, with no unsociable hours and holidays off. Training, DBS checks, and safeguarding compliance are required.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100–1300 students).
• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen.
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience.
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment.
• Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food.
• Hold basic food handling certifications, including NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided).

Responsibilities

• Oversee replenishment of food and maintain clean, high-standard work areas.
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster a strong team culture.
• Manage and optimise catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs.
• Maintain consistent food quality and service for staff, visitors, and students.
• Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Recipe adherence

Staff supervision

Fresh produce knowledge

Health and safety regulations

Work under pressure

Leadership

Food safety certificates (NVQ Level 2)

Hands-on cooking 1 year

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Rd, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 5DP

Salary: £13.90 per hour
Hours: 35
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 2.30pm

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Chef for Sodexo at West Kirby Grammar School, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard

• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture

• Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs

• Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students

• Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

What You Bring:

Essential:

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100–1300 students)

• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen

• Prior staff supervision or line management experience

• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation

• Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them

• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment

• Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food

• Hold basic food handling certifications, including:

  • NVQ Level 2

  • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

• At least one year of hands‑on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Full training and protective uniform provided

• No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support

• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support

• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits

• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships

• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre‑employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.