Executive Head Chef

Join Our Team as a Executive Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day

Location: St Leonards School, 10 The Pends, St Andrews. KY16 9QJ
Days/Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7 predominately Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 40hrs
Salary: Circa £43,000 - £45,000, with excellent benefits

We are looking for a talented and inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at St Leonards School in St Andrews. This is a high-profile, hands-on role where you will act as the culinary figurehead on site, driving standards, creativity and excellence across core feeding, retail and hospitality.

You will lead a team delivering food for approximately 500 students and staff, alongside occasional fine dining and summer events. This role requires a chef with a strong hospitality background, capable of balancing quality-led, restaurant-standard food with the demands of a busy school environment.

Working closely with the client, you will be highly visible, building relationships and bringing innovation to the food offer while maintaining strong financial and operational control. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate “foodie” who thrives on developing teams, creating exceptional food experiences, and delivering consistent excellence.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate and direct all culinary activities in St Leonards and other locations in which we are asked to cater including supporting the team within the boarding houses
• Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.
• Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo’s revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities, labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail operations.
• Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
• Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships
• Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchens and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.

For a full list of responsibilities please read the attached job description

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy
• Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player
• Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times
• Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade
• Clear, strong and effective leadership style
• Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to set and maintain standards

Desirable

• Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches
• PC literate
• Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.

• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.

• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.

• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.

• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.

• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
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)

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
• Job Description Exec Chef..pdf