School Kitchen Manager - Lead, Menu Creation & Cost Control

Sodexo; Maypole; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Health & wellbeing app access

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Salary Finance platform

Job summary

Sodexo at Beths Grammar School, Hartford Rd, Bexley DA5 1NE, is seeking a Cook Manager to lead the school kitchen. You will oversee all food and beverage operations, finances, and service standards, while guiding the kitchen team with strong leadership across a busy, high-volume environment.

Role emphasizes high quality, safe practices and coordinating menus, with a focus on mentoring staff and delivering excellent student meals. Term-time pattern and supportive benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Must have expertise on cooking on a large scale, between 600-1300 students.
• Must have experience working in a secondary school.
• Experience following recipes in a similar setting.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Be aware of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a busy kitchen.
• Professional, leading by example with a positive outlook.
• NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety certifications; minimum 1 year hands-on cooking with Health & Safety training.

Responsibilities

• Manage the replenishment of food and dismantling of work areas at end of service.
• Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
• Control the full catering operation including labour, food and stock costs.
• Manage and optimise all costs under your control.
• Ensure uniformity in food and service standards for staff, visitors and students.
• Manage creation and development of menus.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are followed.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Secondary school experience

Recipe follow-through

Staff supervision

Fresher produce handling

Health & safety awareness

Under pressure work

Positive leadership

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety

Job description

Sodexo at Beths Grammar School, Hartford Rd, Bexley DA5 1NE, is seeking a Cook Manager to lead the school kitchen. You will oversee all food and beverage operations, finances, and service standards, while guiding the kitchen team with strong leadership across a busy, high-volume environment.

Role emphasizes high quality, safe practices and coordinating menus, with a focus on mentoring staff and delivering excellent student meals. Term-time pattern and supportive benefits are included.