Catering jobs in United Kingdom

Head Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Chetham's school of Music, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB

Salary: £40000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days [6.30am - 2.30pm or/and 11am - 7pm (FLEXIBLE)]

Every 3rd weekend off, No late finishes

Staff workplace meals provided, Flexible working arrangements with Potential progression within Sodexo

Exceptional Sodexo benefits with Great discounts & Recognition and Potential progression within Sodexo

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures?

As a Head Chef for Sodexo, you'll be responsible for the timely and efficient preparation of all core feeding, within all catering areas of Chetham’s school of music boarding school. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? All bank Holidays off and public holidays off—including Christmas!

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.

• Our ethos is “Fresh Food from Scratch” so it is imperative to prepare and present food to the notified standard, ensuring the standard of “fresh food from Scratch” is followed.

• Oversee and coordinate all core culinary activities across catering locations to ensure consistency and quality.

• Manage and control service delivery to meet specified performance, quality, and financial targets while maintaining high standards.

• Ensure value for money through effective supply chain management and purchasing practices.

• Build and nurture long-term client relationships to foster stability and growth.

• Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchen and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.

• Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business development within the catering operation.

• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health, safety, and environmental legislation using Sodexo’s safety systems.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation to meet the expectations of school and catering management.

• Provide strategic and technical support, offering professional advice to clients, colleagues, and the team.

• Plan, cost, and implement menus using the DRIVe planning tool, ensuring variety, seasonality, innovation, and financial robustness.

• Champion the Fresh Food Standards ensuring Chetham’s is the unrivalled site for schools to see and shows off the very best to prospect accounts and visitors alike

• Be an active (site based) member of the Chef Development team for Independents by Sodexo by contributing dishes and recipes, attending meetings, assisting with projects

• Engage with key client groups - “Walk the Floor” during service periods and engage and interact with clients, colleagues, and any visitors. Attend pupil food committee meetings each half term

• Represent Sodexo at industry events.

Essential:

• Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy high volume contract catering, client facing environment

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player

• Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times

• Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade

• Clear, strong and effective leadership style

• Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training

• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Ability to set and maintain standards

• NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent

• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate

• Strong level of literacy and numeracy

Desirable

• Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches
• PC literate
• Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification

• A dynamic and supportive work environment

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Full training and protective uniform provided

• No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support

• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support

• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits

• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships

• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and help us create a brighter future!

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.