Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen, Menu Innovation (Cork)

Sodexo Group; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing platform

Employee Assistance Programme

24h virtual GP

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension Plan

Learning and development opportunities

Bike to Work

Enhanced benefits & leave policies

Job summary

Sodexo Group in Cork, Ireland is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the onsite catering operation, delivering high-quality food service for clients and customers. This hands-on leadership role combines kitchen management with operational responsibility, overseeing food preparation, service, stock, and costs while maintaining food safety standards.

You will lead and develop the catering team, plan menus, control costs, and ensure compliance with HACCP, health & safety, and company procedures.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Kitchen leadership

Team leadership

Menu planning

Food cost management

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Customer service

Communication

Education

Professional cookery qualification (e.g., 7061/7062)

Job description

Sodexo Group in Cork, Ireland is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the onsite catering operation, delivering high-quality food service for clients and customers. This hands-on leadership role combines kitchen management with operational responsibility, overseeing food preparation, service, stock, and costs while maintaining food safety standards.

You will lead and develop the catering team, plan menus, control costs, and ensure compliance with HACCP, health & safety, and company procedures.