Craft Development Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/2322703/157356
- Location: Cork
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: €55,000 - €60,000 DOE per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 26 May 2026
About the role
Craft Development Chef
Location:
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Salary and Benefits: €55,000 - €60,000 DOE | Company Van | Sodexo Benefits
Contract Type: Full-Time | Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and commercially minded Craft Development Chef to support and elevate culinary standards across our Corporate Services portfolio in the UK & Ireland.
This is a regional role focused on driving food innovation, operational excellence, culinary training, and client satisfaction across multiple sites. You will work closely with operational teams to develop food offers, support mobilisations and tenders, improve standards, and deliver engaging, high-quality food experiences aligned with Sodexo’s global food strategy.
The role would suit an experienced Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Development Chef with strong operational and stakeholder management experience within contract catering or hospitality environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and develop culinary standards across multiple client sites
- Drive menu innovation, recipe development, and food presentation standards
- Support food mobilisations, service improvements, and tender activities
- Coach, mentor, and develop culinary teams across the region
- Conduct food audits, trade testing, and operational reviews
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
- Support commercial performance through labour efficiency, food cost control, and revenue opportunities
- Build strong relationships with clients and operational stakeholders
- Identify food trends and continuous improvement opportunities across the business
About You
Essential
- Experience within contract catering, hospitality, or corporate dining environments
- Strong culinary background with leadership experience across multi-site operations
- Passion for food innovation, menu development, and service excellence
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Commercial awareness including food cost, labour, and operational performance
- Advanced Food Safety qualification
- Full UK & Ireland driving licence
Desirable
- City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent culinary qualification
- IOSH or health & safety qualification
- Experience supporting tenders, mobilisations, or food concept development
Why Sodexo?
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.
Belong
in a company and team that values you for you.
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 to being an 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.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture
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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.
Cork, Island of Ireland
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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.