Chef Manager

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

Job summary

A leading food service company at Hook Lane Primary School is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee food and beverage operations. Responsibilities include managing a kitchen team, ensuring food quality, and maintaining catering standards. The ideal candidate will have experience cooking for large groups and knowledge of health and safety procedures. Competitive pay and a supportive work environment are offered.

Benefits

Online mental health and wellbeing support platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Competitive pay with full training

Qualifications

• Experience following recipes, preferably in a similar setting.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Manage food replenishment and end-of-day work area dismantling.
• Develop, mentor, and train the kitchen team.
• Control catering operations, including labor, food, and stock expenses.

Skills

Experience cooking for 100–1300 students

Previous staff supervision or line management experience

Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment

Knowledge of health and safety procedures

Professional attitude with a positive outlook

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

1 year of hands-on cooking, food hygiene, and health & safety training

Job description

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Chef Manager - Sodexo at Hook Lane Primary School

Location: Hook Lane Primary School, Faraday Rd, Welling, Kent, DA16 2ET

As a Chef Manager for Sodexo, you will oversee all aspects of food, beverage operations, and finances for your school’s kitchen. Your responsibilities include ensuring high standards of food and service, fostering a positive team environment, and maintaining excellent catering quality in the region. You will not work unsociable hours and will have 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 do:

• Manage food replenishment and end-of-day work area dismantling.
• Develop, mentor, and train the kitchen team.
• Control catering operations, including labor, food, and stock expenses.
• Manage and optimize costs.
• Ensure consistent food and service standards for staff, visitors, and students.
• Manage menu creation and development.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are met.

What you bring:

• Experience cooking for 100–1300 students.
• Experience following recipes, preferably in a similar setting.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment.
• Professional attitude, leading by example with a positive outlook.
• Basic food handling certification:
  • NVQ Level 2
  • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
  • At least 1 year of hands-on cooking, food hygiene, and health & safety training.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo means being part of something greater. We value you, support your growth, and offer resources, rewards, and benefits, including:

• Online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal and work-related issues.
• Free health and wellbeing app with rewards, virtual GP, and other services.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme with deals and cashback options.
• Money insights and financial benefits via Salary Finance.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan membership.
• Death in Service benefit.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible, dynamic work environment.
• Competitive pay and full training with protective uniform.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. Some roles require screening, including DBS checks.

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

Package Description

“A perfect mix of passion, perks, and potential”

• Hourly rate: £
• Hours per week:
• Working pattern: Monday - Friday
• Term-time only (39-week contract paid over 52 weeks)

Spread-over pay means your salary is evenly distributed across 12 months, regardless of school holidays. Further details at interview.