Head Chef

Sodexo; Andover; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sodexo rewards and benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Health & wellbeing support

Discounts & lifestyle rewards

Retirement plan

Cycle to Work

Volunteering day

Career development

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Head Chef at Swinton Barracks to lead a dynamic kitchen and deliver high-quality meals for daily dining and military functions.

You will manage the kitchen team, cover shifts, and uphold safety, hygiene and cost controls in a varied, on-site role at Swinton Barracks, Andover. A passion for cooking and team leadership is essential, with opportunities to grow within Sodexo.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation or an equivalent qualification.
• Basic Food Safety Certificate.
• Proven track record in the catering industry.
• Good knowledge of food safety, allergens, health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals that meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Lead by example, encouraging teamwork and supporting colleagues to develop their skills.
• Cover shifts across the kitchen rota to maintain a consistent and reliable service.
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen management, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Use Sodexo’s online recipe, menu and ordering systems to support smooth kitchen operations.
• Support Pay as You Dine service, with an understanding of costs and profitability.
• Manage food storage, stock rotation and portion control to reduce waste while preserving quality.
• Complete temperature checks and food safety records accurately; keep a clean, organised kitchen.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and follow closing and security procedures.
• Support military functions with enthusiasm and attention to detail.

Skills

Team leadership

Food preparation

Communication

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 2

Basic Food Safety

Job description

Head Chef – Swinton Barracks

• Location: Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 9LQ
• Pay: £15.98 per hour + Sodexo rewards and benefits
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, working any 5 days out of 7
• Shifts: Varied shifts, with flexibility required to cover the kitchen rota, military functions and business needs, including early starts and evening working (expected 1 weekend in 3)
• Overtime available: Opportunities to support military functions

Lead a kitchen with purpose

Are you a passionate chef who enjoys bringing out the best in a team? Join Sodexo as a Head Chef at Swinton Barracks, where your food and leadership will make a difference to the Armed Forces community.

You’ll help deliver fresh, tasty and well-presented meals, leading by example and supporting your team to provide a service they can be proud of. From daily dining to special military functions, this is an opportunity to bring your creativity, skills and enthusiasm to a varied and rewarding catering environment.

As Head Chef, you’ll need to cover shifts across the kitchen rota, with flexibility to support early starts, evening services, military functions and wider business requirements. This is not a fixed daytime-hours role, so being comfortable with a varied working pattern is essential.

What you’ll do

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals that meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Lead by example, encouraging teamwork and supporting colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.
• Cover shifts across the kitchen rota to maintain a consistent and reliable service.
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen management, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Use Sodexo’s online recipe, menu and ordering systems to support the smooth running of the kitchen.
• Support a successful Pay as You Dine service, with an understanding of costs, budgets and profitability.
• Manage food storage, stock rotation and portion control, helping to reduce waste without compromising quality.
• Complete temperature checks and food safety records accurately, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and follow closing and security procedures.
• Support military functions, bringing enthusiasm, attention to detail and a passion for great food to every service.

What you’ll bring

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation or an equivalent qualification.
• A Basic Food Safety Certificate.
• A proven track record of working within the catering industry.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergens, health and safety and compliance.
• Good numerical skills and clear verbal and written communication.
• Strong team leadership skills, with a willingness to support and encourage others.
• A passion for cooking and pride in delivering consistently high standards.
• The ability to use your initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to cover varied shifts, including early starts, evenings and rostered weekends, and support military functions when required.

Experience in a military catering environment would be welcome, but is not essential.

What’s in it for you?

Alongside £15.98 per hour, you’ll have access to Sodexo rewards and benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential personal, legal and financial advice.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to a virtual GP.
• Discounts and lifestyle rewards for you and your family.
• Financial wellbeing tools and a retirement plan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• A paid volunteering day to support a cause that matters to you.
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career with Sodexo.