Junior Chef de Partie

Sodexo; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No unsociable hours

Free onsite parking

Career progression

Cycle to Work Scheme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Sodexo invites applications for a Lead Chef role at Kings College in Taunton. You will oversee food and beverage operations in a school setting, manage budgets, mentor kitchen staff, and ensure meals meet contract standards.

The position offers a competitive hourly rate, 40 hours per week, and a permanent contract; DBS clearance is required and pre-employment checks apply. No unsociable hours promised.

Qualifications

• Strong literacy and numeracy required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in catering management and team development.
• Ability to manage budgets and maintain high standards of hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, production, presentation and service of meals.
• Oversee food replenishment and maintain high cleanliness standards.
• Lead delivery of meals to pupils while controlling costs.
• Develop and train kitchen staff to foster teamwork and motivation.
• Manage catering operation including labour, food and stock costs.
• Ensure food quality and service standards for staff and pupils.
• Lead menu development to keep offerings fresh.
• Conduct audits for food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Assist head chef with menu planning and orders.
• Support at ad-hoc functions, some outside hours.

Skills

Literacy & numeracy

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team engagement

Self-motivation

Education

NVQ3 chef hospitality qualification

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Taunton

Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Kings College , South Rd., Taunton TA13LA

Salary: £13.43 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 (44 weeks Permanent contract)

Free onsite parking

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Chef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What You’ll Do:

Assist in the preparation, production, presentation and service of all meals ensure they are served at the correct times, within the company’s standards and to the agreed specification of the contract.

Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard.

Drive the delivery of the meals to the pupils by enhancing the pupil experience to meet both client and company expectations whilst maintaining strict budgetary control in line with client and Sodexo expectations.

Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture

Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs

Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students

Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting

Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

Ensure that the control of raw materials and portions are to the company’s standards and to ensure food is served at the correct temperature

Assist the head chef when required in planning menus and orders

Assist at any special ad-hoc functions, some of which may occur outside working hours.

What You Bring:

Commis Chef that is looking for a new challenge will be considered.

Strong level of literacy and numeracy

Enhanced DBS Clearance and Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate

Previous catering experience and a Great Passion for Food and Team Engagement

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staff at all levels

Good time management and organizational skills

Ability to work well under pressure

Ability to achieve and set standards and operate to performance criteria, with particular regard to hygiene

Positive approach to learning in role and identifying own training needs as appropriate

Self-motivated, sense of own initiative and the ability to meet target deadlines as set by the Account Manager

Ability to work effectively as part of and in the development of a team with a flexible approach to role and to successfully implement change

• 706/3 or NVQ3 chef hospitality qualification, or equivalent
• Previous experience of catering management and employee engagement
• Experience of managing and developing a team in an educational establishment
• Experience of managing budgets

What We Offer:

A 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!

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.