Executive Head Chef

Sodexo Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary team at Merville Barracks in Colchester. This high-impact role involves overseeing kitchen operations, managing a skilled team, and delivering exceptional food and service. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a senior catering role, strong leadership abilities, and relevant qualifications in professional cookery and food safety.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice

24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior catering operational role, preferably as a Head Chef.
• Strong financial and numerical aptitude for cost control and budgeting.
• Ability to work under pressure and lead by example.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and service.
• Manage and develop the culinary team, fostering a performance-driven culture.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial management

Education

Professional cookery qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3, HND)

Level 3 Food Safety certification

Job description

Sodexobelieves that government agencies should foster an environment of respect,operating with efficiency and effectiveness to promote productivity. Weprioritize employee well-being and play a vital role in fostering strongercommunities.

Are you a passionate and experienced culinary leader ready to take your career to the next level? We are seeking a dynamic Executive Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT in delivering outstanding food and hospitality services. In this high-impact role, you'll be at the heart of operations—driving culinary excellence, leading a skilled team, and ensuring exceptional service for our clients and customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love developing innovative menus, and have a flair for team leadership and operational efficiency, we’d love to hear from you.

Whatyou’ll do:

Operational Leadership

Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring effective shift delivery and adherence to service specifications.

Manage catering delivery across the site including food preparation, cooking, presentation, storage, and disposal.

Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and service in accordance with contractual and company standards.

Supervise consumption of ingredients in line with recipe cards and maintain cost control.

Ensure accurate use of Sodexo’s recipe management systems.

Team Management & Development

Lead, motivate, and develop the culinary team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of kitchen staff.

Conduct regular team briefs, performance reviews, and address training and development needs.

Supervise the team fairly and drive staff engagement.

Promote high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and uniform/PPE compliance.

Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, COSHH, fire safety, and Sodexo Safety Management System (SMS).

Ensure accurate recording of food temperatures, fridge/freezer readings, and other safety documentation.

Pass internal and external audits and manage stock/security of all kitchen assets.

Manage allergen information and ensure the team is trained accordingly.

Client & Customer Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong client and customer relationships through professional service delivery.

Handle complaints and feedback effectively, escalating issues when necessary.

Represent the culinary team in client meetings and contribute to service reviews.

Maintain labour and food costs within agreed budgets.

Monitor and control stock levels, procurement, and wastage to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Produce accurate documentation including weekly returns, menus, and costing sheets.

Plan, cost, and implement consolidated menus across the business.

Service Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Deliver service excellence aligned with Sodexo brand values and contractual expectations.

Lead initiatives for food innovation and efficiency improvements.

Ensure proper opening, handover, and closing procedures are followed.

Strive for continuous improvement in all areas including productivity, cost control, and customer satisfaction.

What you bring:

Previous experience in a senior catering operational role, preferably as a Head Chef.

Professional cookery qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3, HND or equivalent).

Intermediate (Level 3) Food Safety certification.

Strong leadership and people management skills, including HR-related functions.

High attention to hygiene, safety, and food quality standards.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.

Strong financial and numerical aptitude for cost control and budgeting.

Ability to work under pressure and lead by example.

Experience working in a military or highly regulated environment.

Level 3 CIEH Food Safety qualification or equivalent.

Advanced leadership and strategic planning abilities.

Proven track record in team development and food innovation.

Analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

What we offer:

Workingwith Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance tobe part of somethinggreater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values youforyou;you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everydayactions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan

Ready to be part ofsomething greater? Apply today!