Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1300019/156190
- Location: Edinburgh
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £35000 per annum
- Closing date: 27 April 2026
About the role
Looking for a hospitality role that fits your life — not the other way around?
HEAD CHEF
Edinburgh Academy Junior School, 10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh, EH3 5PL
Christmas & New Year Off – Every Year & Mainly Monday to Friday hours
Hours:
40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm
Additional hours: Occasional weekend work for school events as required
Pay: £35,000 per annum
Contract: 52 weeks
Requirements: Enhanced PVG check required; full UK driving licence essential; own vehicle required
Build a Hospitality Career That Works Around You
At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we believe hospitality careers should offer more than long hours and late nights. This role provides a structured working pattern with evenings and most weekends free, alongside time off at Christmas and New Year every year.
Join a forward-thinking, supportive environment where you can lead with creativity, deliver exceptional food, and maintain a genuine work–life balance.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead catering operations at Edinburgh Academy Junior School. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident leader to take ownership of a busy kitchen, delivering high-quality food and service while inspiring and developing a dedicated team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning to service delivery
- Deliver high-quality catering and hospitality that consistently exceeds expectations
- Champion a fresh food, from-scratch approach across all services
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance
- Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost control and efficiency
- Train, mentor, and motivate your team to achieve excellence
- Oversee allergen management and ensure accurate communication at all times
- Plan and deliver hospitality for school events and special functions
About You
- Proven experience in a professional catering environment (essential), ideally in contract or large-scale catering
- Strong leadership experience within a busy kitchen environment
- Confident in managing budgets and using catering systems
- Relevant chef qualifications (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Food Safety Level 2 or above
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to perform under pressure
- A positive, proactive, and motivated approach
- Flexible, decisive, and able to inspire and lead a team effectively
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Structured Monday–Friday working pattern with work–life balance
- Christmas and New Year off every year
- Opportunities for career progression and development
- A supportive, inclusive, and professional working environment
Additional Benefits
- 24/7 virtual GP and mental health support
- Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, and personal support)
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, your family, and friends
- Pension scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to Work scheme
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re a passionate Head Chef who thrives on leadership, creativity, and delivering outstanding service, we’d love to hear from you.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Sodexo and The Edinburgh Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. A satisfactory PVG check is required for this role. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Apply today and take the next step in your career with Sodexo at Edinburgh Academy.
Please note: This role may close early if a high volume of applications is received.
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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.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 5PL
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