Catering Leader & Chef Manager – Hands-on Kitchen Impact

Sodexo Group; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing platform access

Employee Assistance Programme

24hr virtual GP service

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension plan

Learning & development tools

Bike to Work

Job summary

Sodexo Group is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our Dublin catering operation, delivering exceptional food and service. You will manage day-to-day kitchen activities, lead the team, and ensure high standards across food quality, safety, compliance and financial performance.

This hands-on role requires a strong background in catering leadership, menu planning, budgeting, and people management. A recognised cookery qualification and a proactive, customer-focused approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar senior catering role.
• A recognised professional cookery qualification, such as 7061/7062 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety and Health & Safety requirements.
• Experience managing menus, ordering, stock and food costs.
• Good people management and communication skills.
• A hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example.
• A strong focus on customer service, quality and presentation.
• The ability to manage a busy operation while keeping on top of compliance and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation and work hands-on with the kitchen team.
• Plan and deliver an engaging food offer, including menus, promotions and healthy eating initiatives.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, portion control and food costs.
• Ensure the catering operation operates within agreed budgets.
• Manage staffing levels and work schedules to ensure adequate cover.
• Train and develop team members and ensure all mandatory food safety and health & safety training is completed.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH and hygiene.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and ensure any maintenance issues are reported and resolved.
• Support catering for meetings, events and other special functions.
• Build positive relationships with clients and customers and ensure a consistently high level of service.
• Monitor KPIs and service standards and look for opportunities to continuously improve the operation.

Skills

Catering management

Food safety HACCP

Team leadership

Menu planning

Budgeting & costs

People management

Communication skills

Education

Professional cookery qualification (7061/7062)

Job description

Sodexo Group is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our Dublin catering operation, delivering exceptional food and service. You will manage day-to-day kitchen activities, lead the team, and ensure high standards across food quality, safety, compliance and financial performance.

This hands-on role requires a strong background in catering leadership, menu planning, budgeting, and people management. A recognised cookery qualification and a proactive, customer-focused approach are essential.