Head Chef

Sodexo Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic environment

Competitive pay

Training provided

Mental health support

Employee assistance

Discounts & benefits

Cycle to Work

Volunteering

Job summary

Sodexo at Notting Hill Prep School in London is seeking a Head Chef to lead a busy, client-facing kitchen and deliver high-quality school meals.

You will manage a kitchen team, handle ordering and stock, ensure allergen accuracy, and plan menus aligned with EYFS nutritional standards while supporting school events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef leading a busy, client-facing kitchen.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Confident using digital systems for ordering and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage team rotas, briefings and kitchen communication.
• Oversee ordering, delivery checks, stock control and storage procedures.
• Ensure allergen information is accurate and updated for safe service.
• Collaborate with other departments to deliver functions to a professional standard.
• Support the Catering Manager with recruitment, training and discipline procedures.
• Ensure staff maintain high cleanliness standards.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary qualifications

Food safety

Education

706/2 NVQ Chef qualifications

Job description

Job Title Head Chef

Location Notting Hill Prep School, 1B Thorpe Close, London, W10 5XL

Salary £34,000 - £36,000

Hours 40 hours per week

Shift Pattern Monday – Friday 6:30am /7:30am - 3:30pm/4:00pm

Term Time Yes

Please note, the earliest start date is end of August 2026.

Plan Your Journey | Traveline W10 5XL

Located in the heart of vibrant Notting Hill, our school is easily accessible, situated directly opposite Ladbroke Grove Underground Station and within a 20-minute walk of Westbourne Park Station. Excellent transport links include bus routes 7, 23, 52, 70 and 228 on Ladbroke Grove, with additional nearby services on routes 18, 28 and 295. As part of the Dukes Education family, you will join a welcoming and ambitious community where you can make a lasting contribution to pupils' success while developing your own career.

What You Will Do:

• Manage team rotas, daily briefings, and effective communication across the kitchen team.
• Oversee ordering, delivery checks, stock control, and proper storage procedures.
• Ensure allergen information is accurate, accessible, and updated, with daily briefings to support safe service.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to deliver hospitality and special functions to a professional standard.
• Support the Catering Manager with recruitment, training, performance, and discipline procedures.
• Ensure staff work hygienically and always maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness.
• Liaise closely with the Catering Manager to plan and execute school events, including those outside normal hours.
• Apply knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and nutritional requirements for Pre‑Prep pupils to deliver age‑appropriate, engaging menus.
• Bring awareness of current food trends to keep menus fresh, modern, and appealing within a school setting.
• Demonstrate resilience during peak service times and uphold Sodexo and school Safeguarding standards.

What You Will Bring:

• Proven experience as a Chef leading a busy, client‑facing kitchen.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a kitchen team.
• Confidence using digital systems and basic IT for ordering, compliance, and communication.
• The ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• A positive, proactive attitude toward learning, self‑development, and professional growth.
• High levels of self‑motivation and resilience.
• Recognised culinary qualifications such as 706/2, NVQ Chef qualifications, or equivalent.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.