Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1022707/156102
- Location: Lowestoft
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £ 14.60 per hour plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 23 April 2026
About the role
- 40 hours per week
- 5 days out of 7
- 06:30am till 2:30pm
- £14.60 per hour
- Free onsite parking
Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is NR32 1XQ
Job Introduction
Join Sodexo as Head Chef and lead a talented kitchen team in a busy factory canteen setting. You will be responsible for planning and preparing high-quality, nutritious meals, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for all staff. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and develop your team, bring creativity to the menu, and play a key role in delivering outstanding service in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
What you’ll do:
- Assist with all aspects of food preparation, cooking, baking, and presentation to Sodexo’s high standards, ensuring meals are delicious and consistent.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Food Service Assistants, setting clear expectations, supporting daily operations, and promoting excellent customer service.
- Plan menus, manage stock, control costs, and ensure compliance with allergen requirements, food safety, hygiene, and COSHH regulations.
- Monitor customer feedback, conduct regular audits, spot checks, and “fresh eyes” reviews to maintain and improve service quality.
- Ensure all equipment is safe, well-maintained, and used correctly, and support the team in daily operations and allergen briefings.
- Comply with client and company policies, health & safety regulations, and attend training as required, while completing reasonable management requests.
What you bring:
- Strong communication and customer service skills with a flexible approach to shift patterns
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification and thorough knowledge of health & safety practices
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, leading kitchen teams and managing operations
- Ability to maintain accurate records
- Basic understanding of COSHH principles (desirable)
- Experience with electronic point of sale systems (desirable)
- Full clean driving licence (desirable)
What we offer:
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; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
- Mental health & wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
- 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
- Discounts for you & family
- Financial tools & retirement plan
- Cycle to Work & Paid Volunteering Day
Join our team as a Head Chef and take pride in leading a skilled kitchen team, delivering high-quality, delicious meals, upholding exceptional culinary standards, and supporting smooth dining operations across the site!
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.
Lowestoft, United Kingdom, NR32 1XQ
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