Term-Time School Kitchen Manager

Sodexo; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

Employee Assistance

Wellbeing app

Discounts scheme

Salary Finance

Retirement plan

Death in service

Learning & development

Cycle to work

Volunteering

Flexible work

Competitive pay

Uniforms provided

Job summary

The Cook Manager at The Excel Academy in Stoke-on-Trent works under Sodexo to oversee all food and beverage operations, from menu development to managing staff and budgets. You will ensure high standards of hygiene and service while maintaining efficient, cost-aware kitchen practices in a school environment.

You'll mentor a kitchen team, schedule shifts, and ensure health and safety compliance, delivering consistent quality across meals for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large numbers (100–1300 students).
• Experience supervising staff or line management.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and food hygiene requirements.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee replenishment and end-of-service dismantling.
• Develop, mentor, train, and inspire kitchen team.
• Control catering operation costs: labour, food, stock.
• Manage and optimise costs under your control.
• Ensure consistent food and service standards for staff and students.
• Develop and create menus.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are followed.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Staff supervision

Fresh produce handling

Health & safety

Work under pressure

Leadership & professionalism

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

The Cook Manager at The Excel Academy in Stoke-on-Trent works under Sodexo to oversee all food and beverage operations, from menu development to managing staff and budgets. You will ensure high standards of hygiene and service while maintaining efficient, cost-aware kitchen practices in a school environment.

You'll mentor a kitchen team, schedule shifts, and ensure health and safety compliance, delivering consistent quality across meals for students and staff.