Cook Manager
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/2248949/158824
- Location: Richmond
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours a week
- Salary: £18.50 per hour
- Closing date: 06 July 2026
About the role
Lead a Kitchen That Makes a Difference Every Day
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Cook Manager, School Chef, Catering Manager, or ambitious Senior Chef looking for a rewarding leadership role with an excellent work-life balance.
At Sodexo, we know that school meals are about much more than food. They help students focus, learn, perform, and thrive throughout the school day. We're looking for a passionate and organised kitchen leader to oversee a busy catering operation at Grey Court School, delivering nutritious, high-quality meals whilst creating a positive dining experience for students and staff.
This role offers the opportunity to combine your passion for food with the benefits of school-friendly hours, weekends off, public holidays off, and Christmas off.
About Grey Court School
Grey Court School
is a highly regarded secondary school and sixth form located in the heart of Richmond. The school prides itself on providing an outstanding learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and personally.
As Cook Manager, you'll play an important role in supporting this community by ensuring students and staff have access to fresh, nutritious, and enjoyable meals every day.
What Your Day Could Look Like
As Cook Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day catering operation, leading your team to deliver exceptional food and service standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and motivating the kitchen team during breakfast and lunch service
- Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff
- Managing food ordering, stock control, deliveries, and supplier relationships
- Monitoring food costs and ensuring budgets are effectively managed
- Supporting, training, and developing catering assistants and kitchen team members
- Ensuring all food safety, allergen management, HACCP, and health & safety standards are maintained
- Completing kitchen audits, compliance checks, and catering administration
- Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service
- Working closely with school leadership and Sodexo management teams
- Helping to drive meal uptake through themed menus, promotions, and food initiatives
- Creating a positive dining environment that students and staff enjoy returning to each day
This is a busy and rewarding environment, so we're looking for someone who can confidently lead from the front, stay organised, and inspire their team to deliver excellent results.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a confident and approachable kitchen leader with strong large-scale catering experience and a genuine passion for food and customer service.
Essential:
- Experience cooking for high volumes (100–1300 covers)
- Previous experience within school catering, contract catering, education catering, or a similar large-scale environment
- Experience supervising or managing a kitchen team
- Strong understanding of food safety, allergen management, and kitchen compliance
- Experience managing stock control, ordering, and food costs
- Ability to work effectively under pressure within a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and people management skills
- Strong organisational and time management abilities
- Positive attitude with a proactive approach to leadership
- NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
Desirable:
- Previous Cook Manager experience within education catering
- Experience increasing meal uptake and customer engagement
- Knowledge of school food standards
- Experience delivering themed food events and menu initiatives
Why Join Sodexo:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job — it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you, where you can grow, develop and make a real difference every day.
You’ll also benefit from:
- School-friendly hours and excellent work-life balance
- Public holidays and Christmas off
- Full uniform provided
- Access to wellbeing and mental health support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts, cashback and financial wellbeing support
- Pension scheme
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Opportunities to progress within Sodexo
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
**
Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)**
*Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of application
Why Sodexo?
“For a job that’s a perfect mix of passion, perks and potential”
Job Title: Cook Manager
Location:
Grey Court School, Ham Street, Richmond, TW10 7HN
Salary:
£18.50 per hour
Hours:
40 hours per week
Working Pattern:
Monday – Friday | 7:00am – 3:00pm
Contract Type:
Term Time Only (39 week contract paid over 52 weeks)**
Experience Required:
Large-scale school catering or contract catering experience essential
File Downloads
KEY BENEFITS
-
Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Richmond, United Kingdom, TW10 7HN
Build your CV using our online tool
At Sodexo, we’re here to support everyone applying to join us. If you need help getting your CV together, our handy tool can help.
Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.