Chef

Sodexo; Wirral; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Competitive salary

Training provided

No unsociable hours

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts & cashback

Career progression

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo at West Kirby Grammar School in Wirral is seeking a Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose. You will oversee food and beverage operations for the school, manage budgets, and lead a team to deliver top-quality meals for students and staff.

This role pays £13.90 per hour, for 35 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, with no unsociable hours and holidays off including Christmas. Join a supportive team and mentor kitchen staff while developing menus and ensuring health & safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large cohorts (100–1300 students).
• Ability to follow established recipes in a professional kitchen.
• Experience supervising or line-managing kitchen staff.
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce preparation and safety rules.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and enforcement ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen.
• Proven leadership, professionalism and passion for food.
• Hold NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety certifications.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Recipe following

Staff supervision

Food safety knowledge

Pressure handling

Leadership qualities

Basic food handling certs

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 atWest 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.