Head Chef

Sodexo; Salford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head Chef to manage culinary operations at Chetham's School of Music. The successful candidate will have experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include food preparation, team management, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This role offers a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced chef in contract catering or client-facing environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility in working under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food to high standards.
• Oversee culinary activities to ensure quality.
• Manage service delivery and client relationships.

Skills

High-volume catering experience

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 2 Food Production certificate

Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate

Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification

Tools

DRIVe planning tool

PC literacy

Job description

Head Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Chetham's School of Music, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SBS.

Salary: £40,000 per annum.

Hours: 40 hours per week.

Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days (6:30am – 2:30pm or 11am – 7pm, flexible). Every 3rd weekend off. No late finishes. Staff workplace meals provided. Flexible working arrangements with potential progression within Sodexo.

Exceptional Sodexo benefits with great discounts & recognition. Potential progression within Sodexo.

All bank holidays and public holidays off, including Christmas.

What You'll Do:

• Prepare and present food to the highest standard, following the Fresh Food from Scratch ethos.
• Oversee and coordinate all core culinary activities across catering locations to ensure consistency and quality.
• Manage and control service delivery to meet specified performance, quality, and financial targets while maintaining high standards.
• Ensure value for money through effective supply chain management and purchasing practices.
• Build and nurture long‑term client relationships to foster stability and growth.
• Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchen and, if necessary, manage poor performance fairly and firmly.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business development within the catering operation.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health, safety and environmental legislation using Sodexo's safety systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation to meet the expectations of school and catering management.
• Provide strategic and technical support, offering professional advice to clients, colleagues, and the team.
• Plan, cost and implement menus using the DRIVe planning tool, ensuring variety, seasonality, innovation and financial robustness.
• Champion the Fresh Food Standards, ensuring Chetham's is a showcase site for schools and visitors alike.
• Act as a site-based member of the Chef Development team for Independents by Sodexo by contributing dishes and recipes, attending meetings, and assisting with projects.
• Engage with key client groups through Walk the Floor during service periods and interact with clients, colleagues and visitors.
• Attend pupil food committee meetings each half‑term.
• Represent Sodexo at industry events.

What You Bring:

• Experienced chef who has operated in a busy, high‑volume contract catering or client‑facing environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player.
• Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times.
• Direct management experience of chefs/kitchen brigade.
• Clear, strong and effective leadership style.
• Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training.
• Excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
• Ability to set and maintain standards.
• NVQ Level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent.
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate.
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy.
• Desirable – ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions/approaches.
• PC literate.
• Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off, including Christmas.
• 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!

Apply today and help us create a brighter future!

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. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.