Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1300019/158786
- Location: Edinburgh
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £37,000 per annum
- Closing date: 03 July 2026
About the role
Head Chef
Edinburgh Academy, Edinburgh
£37,000 per annum | 40 hours per week | Mainly Monday–Friday
A Head Chef Role With Balance, Backing & Real Impact
Love being a Head Chef… but done with the relentless hours?
This is your chance to lead a kitchen, stay creative, and still have your evenings and most weekends back.
At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we’re delivering fresh, high-quality food in a supportive, well-established environment, backed by an experienced, high-performing team who know what great looks like.
This isn’t just another Head Chef role.
It’s a long-term opportunity to build something brilliant without burning out.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Mainly Monday–Friday, daytime hours (7.00am – 3.30pm)
- Christmas & New Year off every year
- Experienced, supportive team already in place
- Creative, fresh food – not contract catering basics
- A stable environment with real career progression
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take the lead in a well-run kitchen at Edinburgh Academy, delivering fresh, nutritious meals that make a difference every day.
You’ll have the freedom to bring ideas, creativity, and energy, without the chaos of restaurant service.
From seasonal menus to occasional hospitality events, you’ll keep standards high, service smooth, and your team engaged and motivated.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and inspiring an established kitchen team
- Driving a fresh food, from-scratch approach
- Designing healthy, seasonal menus that pupils love
- Bringing creativity to menus and hospitality events
- Managing stock, budgets, rotas and compliance
- Maintaining excellent food safety and allergen standards
- Coaching and developing your team
About You
- Experienced Head Chef or strong Sous ready to step up
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal food
- Confident leading and developing a team
- Organised, calm and hands-on in your approach
- Positive, proactive and people-focused
What You’ll Get
- £37,000 salary
- Mainly Monday–Friday (7am–3:30pm)
- Evenings and most weekends free
- Christmas & New Year off
- Excellent work-life balance
- Career development through Sodexo Culinary Academy
- Strong support network and leadership team
- Long-term career opportunity within Sodexo
Ready for a Better Way to Work?
If you’re ready to lead a kitchen, stay creative, and actually enjoy your time outside of work, this is the move.
Apply now and join a team where you can belong, lead, and thrive.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Sodexo and The Edinburgh Academy are committed to safeguarding children and promoting inclusion. This role requires a satisfactory PVG check. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants from all backgrounds
Please note: This role may close early if a high volume of applications is received.
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KEY BENEFITS
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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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