Chef Manager

Sodexo Group; Cork; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing platform access

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension Plan

Learning & development tools

Bike to Work Scheme

Enhanced benefits & leave policies

Job summary

Sodexo Group is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the on-site catering operation in Cork, Ireland. This hands-on leadership role combines kitchen management with operational responsibility, including cost control, stock management and ensuring top food safety standards.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in a senior kitchen role (2+ years), a professional cookery qualification (7061/7062 or equivalent), and strong staff leadership capabilities to deliver excellent

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a Chef Manager or senior kitchen/catering role (2+ years).
• Professional cookery qualification such as 7061/7062 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience leading and developing a catering team.
• Strong menu planning, stock control and food cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day catering and kitchen operations to maintain high service standards.
• Hands-on in kitchen supporting food preparation and service.
• Lead and develop catering team with appropriate training and staffing.
• Plan and cost menus in line with service offers and standards.
• Introduce new concepts, promotions and sustainable options.
• Manage ordering, stock and costs to minimise waste.

Skills

Chef Manager role

Team leadership

Food safety HACCP

Menu planning

Stock control

Cost management

Cash handling

Billing support

Education

Professional cookery qualification (7061/7062)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Cork

Location: Cork, Ireland
Salary: Up to €50,000 plus Sodexo benefits
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead the catering operation on site and ensure the delivery of a high-quality food service for our client and customers.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, combining kitchen management with operational responsibility. You will lead the catering team, oversee food preparation and service, manage costs and stock, and ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and customer service are consistently maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day catering and kitchen operation, ensuring a consistently high standard of service.
• Work hands‑on in the kitchen, supporting food preparation and service.
• Lead, motivate and develop the catering team, ensuring appropriate training and staffing levels.
• Plan and cost menus in line with the agreed food service offer and company standards.
• Introduce new food concepts, promotions, healthy eating initiatives and sustainable food options.
• Manage ordering, stock control and the use of raw materials to minimise waste and maintain food costs.
• Ensure food is prepared, presented and served to the required quality and temperature standards.
• Maintain full compliance with HACCP, food safety, health & safety, COSHH and company procedures.
• Ensure the kitchen, stores and catering areas are clean, safe and well maintained.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and ensure any faults are reported and rectified promptly.
• Manage catering costs, including labour, stock and other expenditure, within agreed budgets.
• Liaise with the Account Manager, chefs, management and client representatives regarding catering requirements.
• Deliver catering for special functions and events where required.
• Respond professionally to customer feedback, complaints and requests.
• Drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience and catering offer.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record in a Chef Manager or similar senior kitchen/catering role, ideally with at least 2 years' experience.
• A professional cookery qualification such as 7061/7062 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience managing and developing a catering team.
• Strong menu planning, stock control and food cost management experience.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a busy, hands‑on environment.
• A flexible and positive approach with a strong commitment to delivering high standards.
• Experience with cash handling and processing.
• Experience supporting monthly billing processes.
• Strong stock-taking and menu management experience.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a hands‑on Chef Manager who takes pride in delivering excellent food and service, while ensuring the operation is safe, compliant and commercially well managed.

If you are an experienced catering professional who enjoys leading a team, developing food concepts and creating an excellent customer experience, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of essential services within a leading pharmaceutical environment, where your contribution will be visible, valued and impactful.

You'll join a team committed to:

• Delivering excellence every day.
• Investing in people and career development.
• Creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Making a meaningful difference for clients, customers and colleagues alike.

If you're an ambitious Soft Services leader ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Sodexo?

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance tobe part of something greater.

Belong in a company and team that values you foryou.

Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions.

Thrive in your own way.

We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies

A little more about Sodexo:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed tobeingan inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins.

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.