Head Chef

Sodexo Group; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training and protective uniform

Mental health and wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts, cashback schemes

Career progression and apprenticeships

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Head Chef at Clifton College in Bristol to lead kitchen operations, plan menus, and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that meet service standards.

You will manage stock, supervise the kitchen team, uphold food hygiene, and work closely with colleagues to provide excellent customer service and a smooth catering experience.

Qualifications

• Proven culinary experience in fast-paced catering or hospitality environments.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and allergen management.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
• Proactive and self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative.
• Strong communication and collaboration with teams and customers.
• Positive, flexible, hands-on attitude and commitment to colleagues.
• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining high standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that meet customer expectations and service standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared, presented and served on time and to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, health and safety, hygiene and allergen management requirements.
• Manage stock effectively, including ordering support, stock rotation, portion control and waste reduction.
• Receive, check and correctly store deliveries to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support menu planning and contribute ideas to enhance the food offering.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment at all times.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Support and motivate the kitchen team to achieve operational and service objectives.
• Assist with special events and functions, ensuring a seamless catering experience.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Position Head Chef

Location Clifton College, 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH

Salary £15.78 - £17.15 Dependent on experience

Hours 40 per week

Working Pattern 5 out of 7 (Predominantly Mon-Fri)

Working Times 7am -3.30pm

Plan Your Journey | Traveline BS8 3JH

Set within one of Bristol’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods. With excellent transport links, beautiful surroundings and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge just moments away.

Guided by the values of Integrity, Spirit and Resilience, Clifton College is a warm, supportive community where staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact. If you’re looking for a role that blends teamwork, service and pride, this is a great place to grow.

What You Will Do

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that meet customer expectations and service standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared, presented and served on time and to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, health and safety, hygiene and allergen management requirements.
• Manage stock effectively, including ordering support, stock rotation, portion control and waste reduction.
• Receive, check and correctly store deliveries to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support menu planning and contribute ideas to enhance the food offering.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment at all times.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Support and motivate the kitchen team to achieve operational and service objectives.
• Assist with special events and functions, ensuring a seamless catering experience.

What You Bring

• A strong passion for food, quality service and creating excellent dining experiences.
• Proven culinary skills and experience working in fast-paced catering or hospitality environments.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management practices.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach with the ability to work on my own initiative.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with teams and customers.
• A positive, flexible and hands-on attitude with a commitment to supporting colleagues.
• The ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to consistency, quality and compliance.
• A continuous improvement mindset focused on delivering operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

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

Please note that onsite parking is not available. However, the location is well served by public transport links.

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.

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