Cook Manager

TN United Kingdom; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Cook Manager, where you will oversee food operations at a school, ensuring high-quality service and a positive team environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact students' dining experiences while enjoying a supportive work atmosphere. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to well-being, you will thrive in a dynamic setting that values your contributions. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and a variety of perks that enhance your work-life balance. Ready to make a difference? Apply today!

Benefits

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Free health app

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Salary Finance benefits

Retirement Plan membership

Death in Service benefit

Career growth opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Expertise in large-scale cooking for 100–1300 students.
• Experience in staff supervision and managing kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage food replenishment and kitchen operations.
• Develop and mentor the kitchen team.
• Ensure high standards in food and service.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Recipe following

Staff supervision

Fresh produce handling

Health and safety awareness

Ability to work under pressure

Positive leadership

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

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Job Title: Cook Manager at Sodexo

Location: Elmhurst School, Alyesbury

As Cook Manager for Sodexo at Elmhurst School, Alyesbury, you will oversee all aspects of the food and beverage operations as well as the finances for your school’s kitchen. You will be responsible for ensuring that the food and level of service are of the highest calibre and that the school catering is among the best in the region. Your attitude will influence your team's daily lives as the person they go to for direction and support, fostering a vibrant and productive work environment. Additionally, you will not work unsociable hours and will get 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.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage the replenishment of food and the dismantling of work areas at the end of service.
2. Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
3. Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food, and stock expenses.
4. Manage and optimise all costs under your control.
5. Ensure uniformity in food and service standards provided to staff, visitors, and students.
6. Manage the creation and development of menus.
7. Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are followed.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Expertise in large-scale cooking, serving between 100–1300 students.
• Experience following recipes, possibly in a similar setting.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Awareness of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a busy kitchen environment.
• Professional attitude, leading by example with a positive outlook.
• Basic food handling certification, including:
  • NVQ Level 2
  • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
  • At least 1 year of hands-on cooking, training on Food Hygiene, and Health & Safety (training provided).

What We Offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to a company and team that values you, act with purpose, and have an impact through your actions. We offer a range of resources, rewards, and benefits:

• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support platforms.
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, work-related, or personal issues.
• Free health and wellbeing app with rewards, 24hr virtual GP, and other services.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme offering deals and cashback options.
• Financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan membership.
• Death in Service benefit.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• 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 checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

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

Package Details:

“For a job that’s a perfect mix of passion, perks, and potential”

• Hourly rate: £[amount]
• Hours per week: [number]
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3:30pm
• Term Time only (39-week contract paid over 52 weeks)
• Retention Bonus: £200 after 12 weeks, £300 after 52 weeks

Note: Spread-over pay ensures consistent monthly salary throughout the year, including school closure periods. Further details provided during interview.