Head Chef

Sodexo; Colchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme for个人, 健

24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Job summary

Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Colchester, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the day-to-day catering operation in a busy military environment, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety and service.

You will manage and develop the kitchen team, oversee roasteries, menus, portion controls and audits, and drive cost-effective operations with strong client relations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy catering environment.
• Catering qualification as listed (City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ L2/3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent).
• Strong Health & Safety and Food Safety knowledge.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience in military/Defence environment preferred.
• CIEH Level 3 or equivalent; IOSH qualification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day catering operation with high standards of quality, presentation and service.
• Motivate and develop kitchen team; manage rosters and staffing.
• Coach Chefs and Kitchen Porters; provide training.
• Oversee food preparation, recipes and portion controls.
• Ensure food safety, temperature monitoring and allergen compliance.
• Drive audits and stock management; reduce waste.
• Maintain client relations and meet KPIs.
• Support Centre Manager and Food Services Manager.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

MS Office

Attention to detail

Initiative

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ L2/3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

As Head Chef with Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT, you’ll take the lead in delivering a high-quality catering service within a busy military environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation, safety and service.

You’ll bring strong kitchen leadership experience, a passion for great food and the confidence to manage both the operational and people aspects of a busy catering environment.

Whatyou’ll do:

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating an engaged, high-performing working environment
• Manage and support Chefs, military Chefs and Kitchen Porters, providing clear direction, coaching and training
• Plan and manage team rotas, leave and staffing requirements to ensure the kitchen is effectively resourced
• Take ownership of menu delivery, ensuring recipes, specifications and portion controls are consistently followed
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring excellent standards are maintained throughout service
• Maintain full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen legislation and Sodexo procedures
• Ensure all kitchen due diligence, temperature monitoring, food storage and safety documentation is accurately completed
• Drive successful internal and external audit performance and ensure any required actions are addressed
• Manage stock ordering, stocktaking and kitchen supplies, maintaining effective controls and reducing unnecessary waste
• Monitor food consumption and waste against agreed targets, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs
• Contribute to the financial performance of the catering operation, including payroll, stock, waste and P&L management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and customers, responding professionally to feedback and resolving concerns
• Ensure contractual service standards, KPIs and operational requirements are consistently achieved
• Lead pre-service briefings, team huddles and toolbox talks to maintain strong communication across the kitchen
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve service, efficiency, customer satisfaction and overall kitchen performance
• Work closely with the Centre Manager and Food Services Manager to support the wider catering operation
• Be a visible, hands-on leader who sets the standard for food quality, safety, customer service and team performance

What you bring:

• Previous experience leading a kitchen team in a busy catering environment
• A recognised catering qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 and 3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and develop a team
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confident verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on your own initiative while contributing effectively as part of the wider team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• A flexible approach to meet the requirements of a busy operational environment
• Previous experience working within a military or Defence environment
• CIEH Level 3 or equivalent
• IOSH qualification or equivalent

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.

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