Head Chef

Sodexo; Perham Down; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing support (virtual)

Discounts and lifestyle rewards

Financial wellbeing tools and a retire

Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteering day

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo is hiring a Head Chef at Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Andover. You will lead a kitchen team, plan menus, maintain high food safety standards and deliver meals for military functions, with shifts typically 06:30–18:00 and 37.5 hours per week.

Offering £15.98 per hour plus Sodexo rewards and benefits, this role suits cooks who want regular evenings back and the pride of serving the Armed Forces community. Overtime opportunities are available to boost earnings.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation or an equivalent qualification.
• Basic Food Safety Certificate is required.
• Proven track record in the catering industry.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergens, health and safety.
• Good numerical skills and clear verbal/written communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals that meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Lead by example, encouraging teamwork and supporting colleagues to develop their skills.
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen management, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Use Sodexo's online recipe, menu and ordering systems to support the kitchen.
• Support Pay as You Dine service with understanding of costs and profitability.
• Manage storage, stock rotation and portion control to reduce waste while maintaining quality.
• Complete temperature checks and food safety records accurately.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Food safety

Communication

Numerical skills

Allergen management

Hygiene standards

Initiative and teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation

Basic Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Head Chef - Swinton Barracks

Location: Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 9LQ

Pay: £15.98 per hour + Sodexo rewards and benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, working any 5 days out of 7

Shifts: Usually between 06:30 and 18:00, with flexibility to work outside these hours when required to support military functions and business needs

Overtime available: Opportunities to support exciting military functions

A rewarding role, with time for life outside the kitchen

Love being a chef but looking for a working pattern that gives you more of your evenings back? Join Sodexo as a Head Chef at Swinton Barracks, where you can put your culinary skills to work in a role with real purpose.

You'll help fuel the Armed Forces community with fresh, tasty and well-presented meals, leading by example and supporting your team to deliver a service they can be proud of.

With regular shifts usually falling between 06:30 and 18:00, this role offers the opportunity for a better work-life balance than many traditional chef positions, giving you more time to enjoy life outside the kitchen.

Flexibility is required, as you may sometimes need to work outside these usual hours to support military functions and wider business requirements. Overtime opportunities are also available, offering additional earning potential and the chance to showcase your skills at exciting military events.

What you'll do

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals that meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Lead by example, encouraging teamwork and supporting colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen management, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Use Sodexo's online recipe, menu and ordering systems to support the smooth running of the kitchen.
• Support a successful Pay as You Dine service, with an understanding of costs, budgets and profitability.
• Manage food storage, stock rotation and portion control, helping to reduce waste without compromising quality.
• Complete temperature checks and food safety records accurately, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and follow closing and security procedures.
• Bring enthusiasm, attention to detail and a passion for great food to every service.

What you'll bring

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation or an equivalent qualification.
• A Basic Food Safety Certificate.
• A proven track record of working within the catering industry.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergens, health and safety and compliance.
• Good numerical skills and clear verbal and written communication.
• Strong team leadership skills, with a willingness to support and encourage others.
• A passion for cooking and pride in delivering consistently high standards.
• The ability to use your initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to support functions and business requirements outside the usual shift hours when needed.
• Experience in a military catering environment would be welcome, but is not essential.

What's in it for you?

Alongside £15.98 per hour, you'll have access to Sodexo rewards and benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential personal, legal and financial advice.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to a virtual GP.
• Discounts and lifestyle rewards for you and your family.
• Financial wellbeing tools and a retirement plan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• A paid volunteering day to support a cause that matters to you.
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career with Sodexo.