Head Chef: Lead High-Volume Kitchen & Innovation

Sodexo; Clondalkin; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing platform

Employee Assistance Programme

24h virtual GP

Discounts scheme

Pension plan

Learning & development tools

Bike to Work scheme

Enhanced benefits & leave policies

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and back-of-house operation at our high-profile client site in Clondalkin, Dublin.

You will manage a team of 18 across kitchen and back-of-house, delivering high-quality food and hospitality while driving customer satisfaction and financial performance. This role demands strong leadership, innovation and strict compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• Senior chef with a proven track record in a senior kitchen or Head Chef role.
• Experience leading and developing a high-performing kitchen team.
• Excellent high-volume cooking and food production skills.
• Passion for fresh, quality food and culinary innovation.
• Experience developing food offers, promotions, theme days and new concepts.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness (P&L and cost control).
• Experience working in standards, compliance or regulated environments.
• Excellent communication, organisation and time-management skills.
• Ability to stay calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong customer and client focus.
• Experience delivering hospitality and functions to high standard.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen and back-of-house team, fostering a positive culture.
• Deliver consistently high-quality food across a high-volume operation.
• Develop innovative food offers, promotions and new products.
• Maximise food and beverage sales opportunities across the site.
• Manage food costs, labour costs, margins and other expenses to hit GP targets.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, food hygiene, and client standards.
• Maintain excellent customer and client relationships and handle feedback.
• Oversee hospitality and events, including themed food occasions.
• Recruit, train, motivate and develop team members; conduct appraisals.
• Manage rotas, overtime, absence and related costs effectively.
• Ensure all documentation and systems are completed accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with Catering/Business Manager to achieve financial objectives.
• Represent Sodexo at client meetings and lead by example to improve offerings.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High-volume cooking

Food innovation

P&L awareness

Cost control

Compliance & standards

Communication skills

Organisation & time management

Calm under pressure

Customer focus

Culinary qualifications

People development

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and back-of-house operation at our high-profile client site in Clondalkin, Dublin.

You will manage a team of 18 across kitchen and back-of-house, delivering high-quality food and hospitality while driving customer satisfaction and financial performance. This role demands strong leadership, innovation and strict compliance with standards.