Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1046678/160399
- Location: Southampton
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £36,000pa - £38,000pa + excellent benefits
- Closing date: 20 August 2026
About the role
Join Our Team as a Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day
Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 OYN
£36,000pa - £38,000pa + excellent benefits
Monday to Friday 40hrs pw occasional evening and weekends
7am – 3.30pm
40 hrs pw
Parking on site
At Sodexo, we believe in delivering outstanding service, fostering meaningful experiences, and empowering our teams to thrive. We’re on the lookout for a passionate and motivated Head Chef to become an integral part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to drive excellence and innovation within university catering operations and team leadership, this is the opportunity for you!
About the Role
Are you a passionate and innovative Head Chef ready to make your mark in a dynamic university environment? We're looking for a talented culinary leader to inspire and develop a high-performing team, deliver exceptional dining experiences, and shape the future of food across campus. This is an exciting opportunity to combine creativity with commercial expertise while leading a diverse catering operation that includes student dining, retail food outlets, hospitality events, summer schools, and digital food delivery services.
As Head Chef, you'll oversee food production, menu development, kitchen operations, and hospitality services, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and service. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you'll play a key role in driving sales growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, managing costs effectively, and delivering a fresh, innovative food offer that meets the needs of the university community.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in culinary leadership, menu planning, food safety, stock management, and team development.
- A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to inspire those around you.
- Relevant professional chef qualifications and food hygiene certification 706/2 or equivalent
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
A chance to make a tangible impact on the quality of the campus dining experience, commercial performance, and the delivery of innovative, sustainable catering services.
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.
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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.
Southampton, United Kingdom, SO14 OYN
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Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.