Head Chef & School Kitchen Leader

Sodexo; Hereford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing app access

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Salary Finance & retirement plan

Death in Service benefit

Learning & development tools

Cycle to work

Volunteer opportunities

Flexible work environment

Competitive compensation

Full training & protective uniform

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting a Chef Manager at Aylestone School in Hereford to oversee school kitchen operations and finances, ensuring high-quality food and service. You will lead a team, manage menus, and uphold safety standards, while working a 37.5-hour week on a term-time contract with holidays off.

You will drive sustainability and training, maintain health and safety compliance, and partner with school staff to deliver excellent catering for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience managing large-scale cooking operations (100–1300 students).
• Experience following tested recipes in a school or large-scale setting.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating training.
• Experience working with fresh produce and adhering to health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Manage replenishment of food and end-of-service dismantling.
• Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
• Control catering operations including labour, food and stock costs.
• Manage and optimise costs under your control.
• Ensure consistent food and service standards for staff, visitors and students.
• Create and develop school menus; conduct routine quality audits.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budget/cost control

Health & safety

Menu development

Training & development

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Hands-on cooking experience

Job description

Sodexo is recruiting a Chef Manager at Aylestone School in Hereford to oversee school kitchen operations and finances, ensuring high-quality food and service. You will lead a team, manage menus, and uphold safety standards, while working a 37.5-hour week on a term-time contract with holidays off.

You will drive sustainability and training, maintain health and safety compliance, and partner with school staff to deliver excellent catering for students and staff.