Mobile Cook Manager

Sodexo Group; Croydon; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

Join Sodexo as a Mobile Cook Manager in Croydon, overseeing food operations for schools. You will manage a kitchen team, ensure high food quality, and enjoy a supportive work environment with competitive pay and benefits. This role offers a chance to thrive in a meaningful career while making a difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Unlimited access to mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Opportunities for growth and development

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence and own vehicle required.
• Experience serving between 100–1300 students.
• At least 1 year of hands-on cooking experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food and beverage operations at schools.
• Manage and mentor kitchen team.
• Control catering operation costs and standards.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Team leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Basic food handling skills certification

Job description

As Mobile Cook Manager for Sodexo at Croydon, Staines, and Surrey areas, you will oversee all aspects of food and beverage operations, including finances, for your school’s kitchen. You will ensure high standards of food quality and service, making the school catering among the best in the region. Your attitude will influence your team's daily lives, as the person they turn to for guidance and support, fostering a vibrant and productive work environment. Additionally, you will not work unsociable hours and will get public holidays off, including Christmas!

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

What you do:

1. Manage the replenishment of food and the dismantling of work areas at the end of service.
2. Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
3. Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food, and stock expenses.
4. Manage and optimise all costs under your control.
5. Ensure uniformity in food and service standards provided to staff, visitors, and students.
6. Manage the creation and development of menus.
7. Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are being followed.

What you bring:

• Full UK Driving Licence and own vehicle required, as travel to different sites may be necessary.
• Expertise in large-scale cooking, serving between 100–1300 students.
• Experience following recipes, possibly in a similar setting.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a busy kitchen environment.
• Professional attitude, leading by example, and maintaining a positive outlook.
• Basic food handling skills certification: NVQ Level 2, Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, and at least 1 year of hands-on cooking experience. Training on Food Hygiene and Health & Safety will be provided.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to a company and team that values you, acts with purpose, and allows you to thrive in your own way. We also offer a range of resources, rewards, and benefits:

• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support platforms.
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal and work-related issues.
• Free health and wellbeing app with rewards, virtual GP, and other services.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme with deals and cashback options.
• Financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan membership.
• Death in Service benefit.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.
• Competitive pay, full training, and protective uniform.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. Some roles require screening, including background checks and DBS/Disclosure Scotland checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Package Details:

“A role where you can bring your passion for food”

• £19.00 per hour
• 30 hours per week
• Monday to Friday, 8 am to 2 pm
• Term Time only (39-week contract paid over 52 weeks)
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle required; all travel expenses reimbursed.

Retention bonus of £200 after 12 weeks and £300 after 52 weeks.

Spread-over pay distributes your annual salary evenly across 12 months, including school holidays. Further details provided at interview.

About Sodexo:

About Sodexo

Our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone. Operating in 55 countries, we serve over 100 million consumers daily through our services in Food, Facilities Management, Benefits & Rewards, and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to inclusion and diversity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, and are a Disability Confident Leader employer. We promote an inclusive culture and support employee networks.

Learn more about our inclusion efforts here.

Location: Croydon, Staines, and Surrey, UK