Lead Chef de Partie — Large-Scale School Kitchen Leader

Sodexo; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

No unsociable hours

Mental health support

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo leads a Chef De Partie role at Shrewsbury School, delivering high‑volume meals for pupils and staff with a focus on safety and quality. You will manage menus, ordering, and kitchen operations, coaching a craft team to uphold standards while controlling costs and ensuring excellent service.

You’ll work 40 hours per week (40h), 5 days, 7am-3pm or 12pm-8pm, with weekend on/off. A competitive salary reflects experience in a top school catering environment.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking on a large scale
• Ability to follow recipes in a professional kitchen
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen
• Positive leadership and professionalism
• NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety certification held

Responsibilities

• Produce, as directed, with all aspects of preparation and presentation of the food at the required times and to the Company’s standard.
• Assist the craft team in delivering prompt and efficient preparation and service of all meals to the company’s standard and client satisfaction within budget.
• Plan menus, order food and oversee preparation, presentation, service and cleaning to meet standards.
• Replenish food and equipment for efficient service; ensure freshness, flavour and presentation.
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture.
• Manage and optimise labour, food, and stock costs.
• Complete administration: temperatures, cleaning schedules, delivery temps, stock takes, allergens.
• Succession planning for craft team, assistants and Kitchen porter.
• Raise issues to Head Chef and Manager promptly.
• Maintain consistency in food quality and service for staff and visitors.
• Lead menu creation to keep offerings fresh and exciting.
• Conduct audits to ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Recipe following

Staff supervision

Food preparation

Health & safety

Pressure management

Leadership

Basic food certs

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety

Job description

Sodexo leads a Chef De Partie role at Shrewsbury School, delivering high‑volume meals for pupils and staff with a focus on safety and quality. You will manage menus, ordering, and kitchen operations, coaching a craft team to uphold standards while controlling costs and ensuring excellent service.

You’ll work 40 hours per week (40h), 5 days, 7am-3pm or 12pm-8pm, with weekend on/off. A competitive salary reflects experience in a top school catering environment.