Head chef

Sodexo; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Head Chef for their LVS Oxford location. You will lead a small team, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and be involved in all aspects of food management. This role offers a work-life balance with competitive pay and excellent benefits, including growth opportunities. If you are passionate about creating a positive environment and delivering exceptional service, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

Unlimited access to mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP service

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Mercer Aspire Pension Plan

Learning & development opportunities

Bike to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven ability to perform under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience in similar role or contract catering is essential.
• Hands-on approach to leading a catering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering operations at LVS Oxford.
• Ensure compliance with company health and safety practices.
• Mentor and motivate the kitchen team.

Skills

Professional catering experience

Team management

Budget management

Basic IT skills

Time management

Flexible and positive approach

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent chef qualifications

Intermediate food hygiene certificate

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Position

Head Chef – LVS Oxford, Spring Hill Road, Begbroke, Oxford, OX5 1RX

About Us

The LVS Oxford is a specialist school, offering day placements to young people with autism aged 11-18. With a structured educational environment and an approach that focuses on developing young people's independence and confidence, we equip students with the skills needed for academic success, employment and dealing with everyday life. Our ethos, structured educational environment and an approach make us sector‑leading in supporting our students to gain confidence, make meaningful progress and achieve their ambitions. Minimal hospitality with a work‑life balance – at Sodexo and LVS Oxford we believe you can have a rewarding career in hospitality without constant weekend shifts or late nights. Join a passionate team, deliver exceptional service, and still enjoy your evenings and weekends to recharge.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Head Chef to lead our catering operations at the LVS Oxford, engaged within a small team. Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and ensure compliance with Sodexo’s and the client's Child Protection Policy Statement.

Responsibilities

• Paperwork with daily preservice briefing
• Ensuring completion of daily due diligence records following company and legal health and safety practices
• Responsible for all aspects of stock management, including ordering, rotation, storage, and labelling
• Mentor and motivate the team to achieve their goals and objectives
• Planning costed menus, rotas, orders, theme days and promotions
• Liaise with the GSM to manage the unit food budget
• Assist the GSM in achieving financial targets, providing costings and completing production and wastage records
• Always be a brand ambassador for Sodexo
• Attend appropriate training courses, conferences and meetings as directed by the company or client
• Undertake occasional duties outside the normal routine as required within the scope of the position and unit activities
• Manage food production with fluctuating levels whilst maintaining standards and achieving budget
• Managing diverse needs of SEN pupil requirements using innovation and initiatives
• Manage the production and service of food and hospitality according to the service level agreement while adhering to company and client directives
• Produce core feeding and hospitality menus, complying with company and legal food safety practices
• Adhere to and complete allergen management

Qualifications

• Professional catering experience (ESSENTIAL), preferably in a similar role or contract catering
• Experience of managing and motivating a small team
• Hands‑on approach to the role
• Strong budget management
• Basic IT skills, ability to work with basic Excel, Word and Outlook
• NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent chef qualifications
• Intermediate food hygiene certificate
• Proven ability to perform under pressure with excellent time management and attention to detail
• Flexible and positive approach to the role

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits
• Clear opportunities for growth and development
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace
• The chance to make a real impact in an environment that values sustainability and service excellence

Additional Perks

• Unlimited access to online mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, personal support)
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, family and friends
• Mercer Aspire Pension Plan
• Learning & development opportunities
• Bike to Work Scheme

Key Details

• Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum
• Hours: 40 hrs per week
• Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 07:00am – 15:00pm
• Term time only
• Equated pay (spread‑over pay)

Safeguarding

Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

Apply

Ready to join us? If you’re a passionate, experienced Head Chef who thrives on leadership, creativity, and delivering excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey. Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if a high volume of applications is received.