Kitchen Manager

Sodexo Ltd; Stockbridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider is looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee operations at a military location. This role involves leading a team, ensuring food safety and quality, and managing service delivery across multiple dining facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in catering management and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Financial tools & retirement plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering management role, ideally within soft FM.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering services at Middle Wallop.
• Ensure service levels and KPIs are met.
• Maintain food quality and compliance with safety regulations.
• Manage and motivate kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Operational efficiency

Team management

Communication

Education

BSc (Catering) or equivalent

Intermediate Food Safety certification

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• £33,000 - £34,000 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead catering operations at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, SO20 8DY. This key leadership role oversees the day-to-day delivery of high-quality food services across multiple outlets including the All Ranks Diner, Air Crew Feeder, Mess Kitchens, and Costa Coffee Shop.

You’ll ensure that every meal served meets the highest standards of taste, safety, and presentation while driving efficiency, compliance, and team engagement. Working closely with our General Manager and Head Chefs, you’ll be central to maintaining excellence and consistency across our busy food service operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, and manage catering services across all dining facilities at Middle Wallop.
• Ensure service levels, KPIs, and contractual standards are consistently achieved and exceeded.
• Drive operational excellence through the effective use of Sodexo systems (Drive, Leanpath, CRL trackers).
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety in compliance with Sodexo and legislative requirements.
• Manage, train, and motivate a team of chefs, catering assistants, and kitchen porters.
• Oversee menu planning, costing, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets and minimise waste.
• Conduct business health checks and risk assessments, ensuring all safety documentation is current and relevant.
• Support site-wide engagement, development, and performance initiatives.
• Coordinate chef activity to meet demand efficiently while reducing agency labour.
• Ensure accurate temperature checks, food safety logs, and adherence to Sodexo’s Safety Management System (SMS).
• Promote and deliver sales growth through marketing initiatives and quality customer service.
• Act as duty manager on a rota basis, supporting weekend and holiday operations as required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering management role, ideally within the soft FM or contract catering sector.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including training, performance management, and HR processes.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and numerical skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Recognised catering qualifications such as BSc (Catering), MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, or NVQ Levels 2 & 3, with Intermediate Food Safety certification (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience working in a military or defence environment.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent.
• Previous experience managing multiple catering or retail outlets.
• Strong understanding of Soft FM operations, including catering, hospitality, retail, and cleaning.
• Proven track record of managing client relationships within a contract environment.

Benefits

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!