Kitchen Manager

Sodexo; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider at a major sporting venue in the UK seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead operations and ensure exceptional event experiences. Candidates should have experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary of £34,000 and excellent benefits, along with opportunities for career progression in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Mental health support

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-volume catering, events, or banqueting operations.
• Strong understanding of food procurement, stock control, and kitchen logistics.
• Genuine passion for food quality and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock movement, storage, ordering, and deliveries across the CPU and external sites.
• Ensure all health & safety and food safety checks are carried out and documented.
• Lead and manage kitchen porter teams including scheduling up to 4 weeks in advance.
• Support the smooth delivery of food, people, and equipment to on-site and off-site events.

Skills

High-volume catering experience

Team leadership

Time management

Communication skills

Food compliance standards

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

IOSH Managing Safely

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Inventory management systems

Job description

Kitchen Manager
Newcasle United Football Club, St James Park NE1 4ST
£34,000 pa + excellent bonus and benefits
40 hrs pw 5/7 with flexibility as business demands
good family work life balance
Full UK driving licence (essential)

Job Introduction

Be part of something extraordinary. Join Sodexo Live! at one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues – St. James' Park, home of Newcastle United.
We’re on the lookout for a driven, detail-focused, and safety-minded Kitchen Manager to lead critical back-of-house operations and help deliver exceptional matchday and event experiences.
As Kitchen Manager at NUFC, you’ll be at the heart of our Central Production Unit (CPU), ensuring the seamless flow of stock, maintaining a safe and compliant environment, and coordinating operations that support both fixed and ad hoc event sites.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role where logistics, leadership, and kitchen expertise come together.
At Sodexo Live!, we thrive on delivering unforgettable experiences at world-class venues.
You’ll work alongside passionate professionals, be part of a dynamic and supportive culture, and enjoy opportunities for growth across a global organisation.
This isn’t just a job – it’s a career with purpose and momentum.
If you're ready to step up and manage back-of-house excellence in a high-profile venue, we would love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Manage stock movement, storage, ordering, and deliveries across the CPU and external sites.
• Ensure all health & safety and food safety checks are carried out and documented.
• Oversee maintenance of the facility, working with internal teams and contractors as needed.
• Lead and manage kitchen porter teams including scheduling up to 4 weeks in advance.
• Coordinate and carry out accurate monthly stocktakes and manage stock records.
• Collaborate closely with chefs, procurement, and logistics to control costs and maintain quality.
• Support the smooth delivery of food, people, and equipment to on-site and off-site events.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to health, safety, and compliance policies.

What You Bring

• Proven experience in high-volume catering, events, or banqueting operations.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification (minimum); IOSH Managing Safely is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of food procurement, stock control, and kitchen logistics.
• Ability to lead, manage, and motivate teams under pressure.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel, Word, and inventory management systems.
• Full UK driving licence (essential).
• A proactive, hands-on attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Commercial awareness with a results-driven mindset.
• Clear and confident communication skills across teams and departments.
• Strong focus on health, safety, and food compliance standards.
• Genuine passion for food quality and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Adaptability and initiative in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and full training supplied.
• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme for everyday issues or larger problems.
• Free health and wellbeing app with 24‑hour virtual GP.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme with great deals 24/7 and prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan membership.
• Department Choice scheme for environmentally friendly commuting.
• Volunteering Opportunities to support communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Career progression for the caring profession.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo: As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

EEO Statement

Sodexo is an inclusive employer. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and encourage applicants from all demographics.