Head Chef

Sodexo; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Fully funded Apprenticeships

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing resources

Employee benefits

Job summary

Sodexo in Abingdon (Dalton Barracks) seeks a Head Chef to lead the culinary team, manage daily kitchen operations and ensure high-quality meals for armed forces personnel. You will schedule shifts, delegate to senior cooks, and uphold stringent hygiene and safety standards.

Experience in high-volume kitchens, allergen management and strong leadership are essential. The role offers on-site work with an emphasis on menu planning, efficiency, and staff development.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Culinary Arts or equivalent experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Proficiency with IT and Microsoft Office packages.
• Extensive knowledge of food production methods, with focus on consistency and quality.
• In-depth understanding of allergens and safe dining practices.
• Strong leadership abilities with a focus on developing the team.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to manage own performance and support colleagues.
• Thrives under pressure and accepts feedback to improve.
• Strong organisational skills and task prioritisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team and daily kitchen operations.
• Oversee sous chefs, commis, chef de parties and other staff and delegate tasks.
• Schedule shifts to balance work-life and maintain morale.
• Ensure EHO guidelines and sanitation standards are met.
• Plan menus aligned with military dining rotations and stock efficiency.
• Adjust menus to optimise stock use and minimise waste.
• Manage inventory and ensure presentation meets Sodexo/client expectations.
• Collaborate with FOH management to drive service excellence.
• Train and develop the team to uphold Sodexo standards.

Skills

Culinary leadership

High-volume kitchen

Allergens knowledge

Food production

Leadership

Quality control

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Culinary Arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Abingdon

• Early - 06:00 - 14:00 & Late - 12:00 - 20:00

Position: Head Chef at Sodexo,Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, OX13 6JB

As aHead Chef at Sodexo, you will play a key role in overseeing the culinaryoperations and managing the production of food and beverages for our armedforces personnel.Your expertise will ensure the delivery of high-qualitymeals that contribute to the operational success and morale of the team.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and manage the culinary team, ensuring smooth daily operations and providing guidance to the production team.
• Oversee and delegate responsibilities to sous chefs, commis chefs, chef de parties, and other kitchen staff to maintain efficiency.
• Schedule on and off-duty shifts for your team, fostering a balanced work-life environment to maintain morale and productivity.
• Ensure strict adherence to all Environmental Health and Safety (EHO) guidelines and monitor sanitation practices to guarantee compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Plan and execute menus, ensuring variety and quality while following the set military dining rotations.
• Make adjustments to menus as needed, optimizing the use of available stock and minimizing waste.
• Manage inventory and stock levels, ensuring meal presentation meets Sodexo and client expectations.
• Collaborate with Front of House (FOH) management to drive service excellence and elevate the overall dining experience.
• Train and develop your team, ensuring they are regularly refreshed on client and Sodexo standards.

What You Bring:

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Culinary Arts or equivalent experience working in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Proficiency in IT, excellent communication skills, and experience with Microsoft Office packages.
• Extensive knowledge of food production methods, with a focus on consistency and quality.
• In-depth understanding of allergens and the necessary precautions to ensure safe dining for all.
• Exceptional leadership abilities, with a focus on motivating and developing a team.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Ability to manage your own performance and support colleagues to do the same.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, accept feedback, and continuously improve.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage a busy workload.

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.

Join us and be part of a companythat values its employees and offers real career growth opportunities.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications