School Kitchen Lead Chef — 7:30–2:30, No Unsociable Hours

Sodexo; Wirral; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Competitive salary

Training provided

No unsociable hours

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts & cashback

Career progression

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Sodexo at West Kirby Grammar School in Wirral is seeking a Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose. You will oversee food and beverage operations for the school, manage budgets, and lead a team to deliver top-quality meals for students and staff.

This role pays £13.90 per hour, for 35 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, with no unsociable hours and holidays off including Christmas. Join a supportive team and mentor kitchen staff while developing menus and ensuring health & safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large cohorts (100–1300 students).
• Ability to follow established recipes in a professional kitchen.
• Experience supervising or line-managing kitchen staff.
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce preparation and safety rules.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and enforcement ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen.
• Proven leadership, professionalism and passion for food.
• Hold NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety certifications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee replenishment of food and ensure clean, high-standard work areas.
• Develop, mentor and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture.
• Manage and optimise labour, food, and stock costs across catering operations.
• Maintain consistent food quality and service for staff, visitors and students.
• Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh.
• Conduct regular audits for compliance with food safety & hygiene regulations.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Recipe following

Staff supervision

Food safety knowledge

Pressure handling

Leadership qualities

Basic food handling certs

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Sodexo at West Kirby Grammar School in Wirral is seeking a Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose. You will oversee food and beverage operations for the school, manage budgets, and lead a team to deliver top-quality meals for students and staff.

This role pays £13.90 per hour, for 35 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, with no unsociable hours and holidays off including Christmas. Join a supportive team and mentor kitchen staff while developing menus and ensuring health & safety compliance.