Chefs

Sodexo; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Chef in Taunton to oversee food operations in a school setting. Responsibilities include managing budgets, maintaining food quality, training staff, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have experience in large-scale cooking, strong leadership skills, and relevant health and safety certifications. Competitive salary and benefits offered, with flexible work hours.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus benefits

Full training and protective uniform provided

Mental health and wellbeing support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts and cashback schemes

Qualifications

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100-1300 students).
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience.
• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee replenishment of food and maintain high cleaning standards.
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff.
• Manage and optimise catering operations including costs.

Skills

Cooking on a large scale

Following recipes

Staff supervision

Knowledge of fresh produce

Understanding health and safety regulations

Working under pressure

Positive leadership

Passion for food

Education

Basic food handling certifications (NVQ Level 2)

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Chef for Sodexo, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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)

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)

Additional Information

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.

Benefits

• Salary: Competitive plus Sodexo Benefits
• Hours: Various hours available
• Working Pattern: Full Time/ Part Time/ Term Time Only
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off—inclusive of 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