Kitchen Manager

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

Job summary

A prominent catering services provider in Stockbridge seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee catering operations at the Army Aviation Centre. You will ensure high-quality food services and maintain compliance with safety standards while driving team performance. The ideal candidate will have substantial catering management experience, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications. The role offers a competitive salary and a chance to work in a valued team environment.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Lifestyle rewards

Financial tools & retirement plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering management, preferably in FM or contract catering.
• Strong leadership skills for team training and HR processes.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering services at the Army Aviation Centre.
• Ensure service levels and contractual standards are met.
• Drive operational excellence through effective systems usage.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Food safety knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Education

BSc (Catering)

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

NVQ Levels 2 & 3

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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

Job Introduction

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.

What you'll do:

• 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.

What you bring:

• 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.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• 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!