Chef Supervisor

Sodexo Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Colchester is seeking a skilled Chef Supervisor to oversee kitchen operations and deliver exceptional service. This role requires strong leadership skills and a background in catering. Responsibilities include supervising staff, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring client satisfaction. The ideal candidate holds relevant qualifications and has a passion for quality service. Competitive pay and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

On-the-job training

Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing Support

Financial Benefits

Work Perks

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering operational role.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and adherence to standards.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
• Competent in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Qualified with Level 3 Food Safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring services meet client specifications.
• Motivate, supervise, and support chefs, assisting with training.
• Deputise for the Head Chef during absences.
• Ensure correct cooking, disposal, and storage of food.
• Monitor and record food temperatures as per safety standards.
• Lead handover procedures and ensure completion of processes.
• Maintain client relationships and handle feedback professionally.

Skills

Catering operational experience

Teamwork and leadership

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations

MS Office proficiency

Education

BSC (Catering), MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Chef Supervisor to join our catering team at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester CO2 7UT, delivering exceptional services to our client organisation across multiple onsite locations. You will play a key role in supervising kitchen operations, motivating the team, ensuring high standards, and stepping in for the Head Chef when required.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, professional environment where quality, teamwork, and client satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.

Job Details

• 40 hours per week
• 5 over 7 days per week
• £13.50 per hour
• Free Car parking

Check your local transport here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is Colchester, CO2 7UT

What you’ll do

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring services meet client specifications across multiple locations.
• Motivate, supervise, and support chefs, assisting with training and development programmes.
• Deputise for the Head Chef during periods of absence, making operational decisions to maintain service delivery.
• Ensure correct cooking, disposal, and storage of food in line with company standards and legislation.
• Monitor and record fridge, freezer, hot cabinet, and servery temperatures as per the Sodexo Safety Management System (SMS).
• Guarantee all foods are served and held at required temperatures, with checks accurately probed and recorded.
• Manage ingredient usage in line with recipe cards, exercising cost control and minimising waste.
• Operate and maintain the DRIVE system, ensuring menus and recipes are followed.
• Uphold cleanliness, hygiene, and PPE standards at all times.
• Maintain effective communication with the catering team, management, and the client organisation.
• Lead handover procedures and ensure opening and closing processes are fully completed.
• Attend briefings, meetings, and performance reviews to ensure team and personal objectives are met.
• Maintain strong client and customer relationships, handling feedback professionally and promptly.
• Care for and monitor the correct use of equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Report near-miss incidents, accidents, and faulty equipment to management in a timely manner.
• Provide catering support services across the site, including preparation, cooking, presentation, storage, and waste disposal.
• Ensure all operational areas meet service standards and comply with health and safety regulations.

What you bring

• Proven experience in a catering operational role.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and adherence to standards.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
• Competent in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Qualified to one of the following or equivalent: BSC (Catering), MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3, with Level 3 Food Safety certification.

Desirable

• Experience in contract catering.

What we offer

• On-the-job training with experienced professionals
• Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications
• Career development opportunities within Sodexo
• A friendly and supportive work environment
• Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities.
• Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform.