Head of Culinary

Sodexo; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading culinary services provider in London is seeking a Head of Culinary Operations to manage culinary services across multiple outlets. You will spearhead menu innovation, ensure food quality and safety, and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in culinary leadership, financial acumen, and a strong understanding of global cuisines. This role offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and other benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus

Flexible benefit fund

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing a large team in diverse culinary concepts.
• Track record in budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation.
• Strong understanding of global cuisines and modern culinary techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary vision and develop seasonal menus across outlets.
• Set standards and KPIs; ensure operational excellence.
• Recruit and inspire large teams, delivering training and performance reviews.
• Champion waste reduction and ethical sourcing practices.

Skills

Menu development expertise

Financial acumen

Operational efficiency

Leadership skills

Education

Higher education in culinary arts or related field

Certifications in food safety and business management

Job description

Overview

The Head of Culinary Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the comprehensive management of culinary services across multiple outlets or a large-scale kitchen environment. You will spearhead menu innovation, oversee multi-unit kitchen management, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will develop and execute a strategic vision for the culinary department that aligns with the organisation's goals, brand identity, and customer expectations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional dining experiences to a clientele who expect only the best.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Culinary Leadership: Lead the culinary vision and seasonal/signature menus across all outlets, grounded in guest insight, trends and brand.
• Operational Excellence: Set standards and KPIs for a multi-kitchen operation; ensure consistent prep, presentation and service; leverage kitchen tech to boost productivity.
• Financial Stewardship: Own budgets, control food & labour costs, and lead procurement to deliver quality at the right margin.
• Team Development & Leadership: Recruit, coach and inspire large brigades; deliver training, scheduling, performance reviews and succession.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Uphold HACCP and hygiene excellence; conduct audits and act fast on issues, leading incident response when needed.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work hand-in-glove with Marketing, Events, Supply Chain and HR to create cohesive, commercial culinary experiences.
• Customer Experience & Innovation: Engage directly with guests/VIPs; pilot new concepts and turn feedback into continuous improvement.
• Sustainability & Ethical Practices: Champion waste reduction, ethical sourcing and energy efficiency; track and report progress against site goals.

Qualifications

• Extensive menu development expertise; experience managing a large team across a broad range of concepts and offerings; comfortable leading a range of culinary levels from casual to premium.
• Strong financial and strategic acumen with a proven track record in budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation.
• Higher education in culinary arts or a related field, with additional certifications in food safety and business management.
• Strong understanding of global cuisines and contemporary culinary techniques and a keen eye for fine dining standards.
• Experience in multi-unit and large-scale operations, including leadership in Michelin Star dining establishments.
• Ability to integrate culinary excellence with operational efficiency and strong leadership skills.

About Sodexo Live

At Sodexo Live! we are experience makers and food fanatics. Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring personality, your background and your desire for delighting others. In return we'll give you all you need to thrive because at Sodexo Live! we\'re so much more. Be part of something greater. We\'re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We\'re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Compensation

Salary: Competitive Salary + Car Allowance, Bonus & Flexible Benefit Fund