Head Chef

Sodexo Group; Ascot; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious educational institution as a Head Chef where your culinary expertise will shape menus and lead a dynamic kitchen team. This role balances creativity with responsibility, delivering high-quality meals while promoting wellbeing and education. You will have opportunities for career development and enjoy a supportive work environment with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Mental Health Support

Employee Assistance

Health & Wellbeing App

Retirement Planning

Career Development

Flexible Work Environment

Qualifications

• Experienced head chef in a client-facing environment.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
• High level of self-motivation and flexible approach.

Responsibilities

• Ensure food quality and presentation are top-notch.
• Manage menu planning, costing, and implementation.
• Collaborate with the Group Head Chef on financial control.

Skills

Leadership

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Team Motivation

Education

NVQ Chef Qualifications or Equivalent

Job description

Join Our Team as a Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day

• Location: LVS Ascot London Road Ascot SL5 8DR
• Days/Shift Pattern: 5 out of 7 days
• Working Hours: 7am - 3.30pm / 11.30am - 8pm
• Total Hours Per Week: 40 hours
• Salary: £38,000 - £40,000, with excellent benefits Parking
• Uniform provided
• Training provided
• All meals whilst on shift

Are you a passionate and experienced chef ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a prestigious educational setting? We’re seeking a talented Head Chef to take the reins of its culinary operation, delivering high-quality meals for pupils and staff, as well as managing hospitality and catering events to an exceptional standard. This is a rare opportunity to shape menus, mentor a team, and work collaboratively with senior leadership in a role that balances creativity, responsibility, and purpose—supporting both wellbeing and education through food.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure that the production, preparation and presentation of food are always of the highest quality.
• Knowledge of all standard procedures and policies pertaining to food preparation, receiving, storage and sanitation.
• Working with the Group Head Chef to provide effective financial control of food.
• Ensure planning, costing and implementation of all menus, ensuring all menus are balanced, provide variety and seasonality, exhibit innovation and current trends and are financially robust.
• To support Group Head Chef with interview, recruitment, induction and manage staff accordingly.
• To ensure that all food is prepared with due care and attention, particularly regarding special dietary requirements, allergens and shelf life.
• To carry out planning, ordering and implementation of core feeding and functions in the absence of Executive Group Head Chef.

For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description

What you bring:

• Experienced head chef who has led and operated in a client facing environment
• NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
• Ownership and accountability of the role and that of their team.
• Ability to work efficiently and competently in a busy environment.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Able to demonstrate positive attitude to self-development, willingness to learn in the role and identify own training needs.
• High level of self-motivation and recognition of a flexible approach to the role.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate, communicate and all elements to lead a team.
• Strong ability to undertake all appropriate training to further both skill and knowledge within the role held.

What we offer:

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

• Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.
• Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Discounts & Financial Benefits: Exclusive deals through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, alongside insights and savings via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Retirement Planning: Join the Sodexo Retirement Plan to secure your future.
• Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.
• Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer.We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.