Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/736016/155881
- Location: Manchester Airport
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours a week
- Salary: upto £40,000 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 21 April 2026
About the role
- Job Title: Head Chef
- Location: Emirates Lounge - Sodexo Terminal 1, Manchester Airport, M90 1QX
- upto £40,000 Salary + performance Bonus
- 40 Hours / 5 over 7days / Early and Late shifts (between 4am to 10.30pm)
- Airport Security Clearance will be required
- Free Parking, Free food on shift, Uniform Provided
Job Introduction
At Sodexo Live!
we create exceptional experiences in extraordinary places. From world-class sporting events to exclusive airport lounges, we’re proud to craft memorable moments through service, innovation, and passion for excellence.
Our Aviation team partners with leading global airlines to elevate the passenger experience, turning every journey into something special. Now, we’re looking for a creative and inspiring Head Chef to join our team at the Emirates Lounge, Manchester Airport.
Delivering exceptional food experiences for a discerning international clientele, this is a hands-on role for someone who combines creativity, precision and strong kitchen leadership, with the confidence to deliver high-quality, fresh food from scratch and lead service across buffet and à la carte dining. The role also includes overseeing a live cooking station, preparing fresh dishes directly for guests and adding an engaging, personalised touch to the lounge experience, all while maintaining the very highest standards of presentation, food safety and guest experience.
If you take pride in creating seasonal, beautifully presented dishes, enjoy leading and developing a team, and know how to stay calm and organised in a high-pressure setting, this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark in a prestigious lounge operation.
What You'll Do:
- Be responsible for rostering, daily orders/stock management and monthly stock takes.
- To plan, supervise, deliver, and present the food and beverages as per the Emirates Lounge specification. Supervise, guide and coach the assigned staff to ensure an efficient operation of the Emirates Lounge.
- Interact with customers by explaining the food and beverages on offer. Gauge needs and makes recommendations to meet the exact needs of the Emirates premium customers.
- Manage the Culinary delivery of Emirates Lounge, and ensure a smooth day-to-day operation is in place to deliver the menu, across hot and cold buffet and a la carte, adhering to the Emirates recipe specifications.
- Manage and ensure food safety compliance is in place with all food handlers and all mandatory training is in place, and day to day due diligence is completed and records verified and up to date.
- Deliver Farm to Table ordering and liaising with farm produce co-operator.
- Delivering Menu of the day and adding seasonality into the menu.
For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description
What You Bring:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Strong background in hotel, fine dining or premium restaurant environments
- Experience managing medium to large kitchen teams
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high-volume service without compromising quality
- Strong experience in fresh food preparation from scratch
- Experience in menu planning, stock control, ordering and forecasting
- Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP and compliance standards
- Level 3 Food Safety preferred or willingness to complete
- Willingness to complete full airport security clearance
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 also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment
- Competitive compensation
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
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 100 million 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, So Together, Generations and Origins.
Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, 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.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.
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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.
Manchester Airport, United Kingdom, M90 1QX
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