Head Chef

Sodexo; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services company is seeking an experienced Head Chef to manage the Detainees Under Sentence Kitchen at Merville Barracks in Colchester. You will oversee kitchen operations, staff training, and compliance with health and safety regulations, leading a team to deliver high-quality catering services. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and significant experience in catering management. This role offers a salary up to £29,735 per annum and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Cycle to Work

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a management role within the catering or soft FM service industry.
• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety management systems.
• Strong numerical and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and manage the delivery of catering services for the Detainees Under Sentence Kitchen.
• Supervise and lead a team of chefs and kitchen porters.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Food Safety management

Budget management

Client relationship management

Education

BSc (Catering)

Food Safety qualification equivalent to CIEH Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

• 40 hours per week
• 5 days out of 7 days per week
• Up to £29,735 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

Are you a talented and experienced Head Chef ready for a new challenge in a dynamic and rewarding environment? We're looking for a passionate and organised professional to lead the Detainees Under Sentence (DUS) Kitchen at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and efficient catering services.

As Head Chef, you'll oversee all kitchen operations - from menu planning and food production to staff training, health and safety compliance, and budget management. You'll lead by example, inspiring your team to deliver excellence every day while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service integrity.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference within a disciplined, high-performing environment, supporting both client and organisational goals.

What you'll do:

• Plan, organise, and manage the delivery of catering services for the Detainees Under Sentence Kitchen.
• Supervise and lead a team of chefs and kitchen porters, ensuring high performance and ongoing development.
• Design, review, and implement menus that meet nutritional standards, budgetary constraints, and client expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and company health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.
• Monitor and evaluate food quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Maintain effective stock control, inventory management, and procurement processes.
• Analyse wastage data and implement strategies to minimise food and material waste.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost control while maintaining service quality and value for money.
• Contribute to business growth through innovation, efficiency, and the development of new catering initiatives.
• Support the development of catering services for both detainees and contracted MOD personnel.
• Drive performance and compliance with all service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and audit requirements.
• Work collaboratively with other departmental managers to ensure site-wide operational excellence.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and safety throughout kitchen areas.
• Take ownership of team recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management processes.
• Support the wellbeing, engagement, and motivation of team members, promoting Sodexo's values and people-first culture.
• Actively contribute to initiatives aligned with Investors in People (IIP) Gold Standard.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Support and participate in external and internal audits, implementing corrective actions promptly.
• Promote sustainability and environmentally responsible practices within catering operations.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by management.

What you bring:

• Proven experience in a management role within the catering or soft FM service industry.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and people management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage performance, conduct, and development of staff.
• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety management systems.
• Effective communication skills - both written and verbal - with strong attention to detail.
• Strong numerical and budgeting skills with the ability to manage resources effectively.
• Experienced in managing client relationships and working to contractual standards.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Food Safety qualification equivalent to CIEH Level 3.
• Recognised catering qualification - BSc (Catering), MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, or NVQ Level 2 in Catering.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a military or secure environment.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in Soft FM operations including catering, hospitality, and cleaning services.
• Demonstrable experience in contract catering with strong commercial acumen.
• Proven success in leading, motivating, and developing teams in a high-pressure environment.

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 & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!