Register Your Interest in Senior Chef Vacancies

Sodexo; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Abingdon is seeking a Senior Chef to oversee food operations and manage budgets at Abingdon School. You will lead a kitchen team, ensuring high-quality meals and creating a dynamic work environment. The ideal candidate must have excellent culinary skills and experience in large-scale cooking. Join us for flexible working hours and a rewarding career opportunity.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Complimentary meals during shifts

Ongoing training and career progression

Access to wellbeing support platforms

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100-1300 students).
• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food replenishment and cleanliness.
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff.
• Manage and optimise catering operations.
• Maintain food quality and service standards.
• Lead menu creation and development.
• Conduct regular audits for compliance.

Skills

Excellent culinary skills

Prior staff supervision

Strong knowledge of fresh produce

Ability to work under pressure

Positive leadership

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Chef Roles at Abingdon School

Where Excellence Is Always on the Menu

Location: Abingdon School, Park Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a SeniorChef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment.

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

Key Information:

• Multiple Senior Chef positions available
• Flexible working terms term-time and plus contracts available
• £13-£16 per hour plus Sodexo benefits

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, we don't just serve meals - we serve experiences. As a key part of life at Abingdon School, you'll contribute to a culture of quality, care, and professionalism while enjoying a host of rewarding benefits:

• Free on-site parking
• Complimentary meals during your shift
• Uniform and safety footwear provided at no cost
• Ongoing training and career progression with a global leader
• Access to wellbeing and financial support platforms
• Flexible working to fit around your lifestyle

What You'll Do

• Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture
• Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs
• Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students
• Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

Who You Are

Essential:

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100-1300 students)
• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
• Excellent culinary skills
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
• Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
• Hold basic food handling certifications with a view to be working towards the next level, including:
  • NVQ Level 2
  • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
• Previous relevant experience

Ready to Make a Meaningful Impact?
Bring your energy, care, and ambition to a team where your contribution is valued and your development supported. This is more than a job - it's your chance to be part of something exceptional.

What We Offer:

Being part of Sodexo isn't just about having a job-it's about building a career and making a real impact. In addition to competitive pay and a fantastic work-life balance, we offer:

• Wellbeing Support - Access to mental health and wellness platforms, plus a 24/7 virtual GP.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for legal, financial, and personal matters.
• Exclusive Discounts - Save on retail, travel, dining, and more through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
• Financial Benefits - Salary Finance Platform to help with money management and savings.
• Retirement Planning - Membership in the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• Career Development - Learning and training opportunities to help you grow.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money and stay fit while commuting.
• Volunteering Opportunities - Give back to your community with our support.
• Full Training & Uniform Provided - We set you up for success from day one.

Join Us Today!

If you're looking for a rewarding role in a company that values its people, apply now and start your journey with Sodexo.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles require background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) screening.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Don't miss out-apply now!