Chef Manager

Sodexo Ireland; Munster; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Ireland is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead on-site catering operations in Cork, Ireland. You will manage, train and develop a kitchen team, plan menus, control costs and maintain high standards of food safety and service.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong HACCP knowledge, menu planning, stock control and customer service excellence. The ideal candidate has a cookery qualification and at least 1 year in a senior kitchen role.

Qualifications

• A minimum 1 year experience in a senior kitchen role.
• Level 6 qualification or higher; professional cookery qualification (7061/7062).
• Strong HACCP, food safety knowledge and hygiene standards.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead, train and develop a catering team.
• Desirable IOSH qualification.
• Experience with monthly billing and cash handling.
• Stock control and menu management experience.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Menu planning

Stock control

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Cookery qualification 7061/7062

Level 6 qualification

Job description

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the Eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.

Job Description

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.

Desirable

• IOSH qualification.
• Experience with cash handling and processing.
• Experience supporting monthly billing processes.
• Strong stock‑taking and menu management experience.

• Sector: accommodation and food service activities

Career Level

• Experienced [Non-Managerial]

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Minimum Experienced Required (Years): 1
• Minimum Qualification: Level 6 (incl Higher Advanced Certificate & National Craft Certificate)

Desirable

• Ability Skills: Administration, Interpersonal Skills
• Competency Skills: Collaboration, Teamwork
• Competency Skills: HACCP