Culinary Director

Job Introduction

We have an amazing opportunity for a Culinary Director to join our talented staff community. You will lead the regional Development Chef Team to deliver improved quality and consistency in food service delivery across the business portfolio. You will be responsible for culinary excellence within the region, ensuring our sites deliver both qualitative and quantitative results and deliver an incomparable service to clients who expect only the best and ensuring the delivery of the Sodexo brand values and standard of excellence.

At Sodexo, we strive to consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients, which is at the heart of everything we do.  We are committed to achieving 100% client satisfaction through our commitment to innovation and quality improvement. Whether it's event management, team management, or financial awareness, we place a strong emphasis on providing the best services to our clients, ensuring that we deliver results that exceed client expectations. We believe that a culture of service excellence and innovation drives positive outcomes, and we strive to provide the best services possible.

By joining Sodexo, you will be part of something greater, working in an environment that fosters innovation and supports your professional growth. Become a valued member of our team, where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop a Culinary Academy for Corporate Services segment to ensure we have a pipeline of culinary talent and position us as an employer of choice
• Lead the Chef Connection monthly calls to ensure engagement of the culinary community and showcase our best in class offer
• Support Business Development team with new business or retention across the region, in particular client presentations and site visits
• Support in the Mobilisation of new business within the region with support from Deployment Team
• Improve FS/HS standards across the region in line with Safe guard, local authorities and client specific legislation
• Manage Quarterly regional culinary forums making sure they are delivered consistently, focus on food quality, our brands & FS/HS standards
• Improve on sales targets, labour efficiencies and customer satisfaction
• Work closely with Head of Marketing for Worklife Services to develop and deploy marketing initiatives where applicable in line service offers and brands
• Motivate and lead a high performing culinary team to achieve their objectives and the Sodexo strategy.
• Provide excellent customer service, perform the preparation, presentation and service of food and beverages to the client and Sodexo’s satisfaction.  
• Support sales tender process for the region, lead on client presentations and site visits
• Support or lead food mobilization or demobilization
• Support and develop the food offer across Corporate Services working closely with Local and Global food platforms 

The Ideal Candidate 

You will have a passionate interest in the catering industry and will demonstrate a deep understanding of current food trends and have the ability to bring innovation to our team. You will have a high level of culinary and retail experience and have strong change management and performance management experience as well as proven experience within Retail B&I industry. Most importantly, you'll recognise the value of having strong customer service abilities and the need to deliver a first class service to our clients..

You will also have:

• A clear and effective leadership style
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to analyse problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovate solutions/approaches
• Excellent organisational skills and time management 
• Computer literate
• The ability to demonstrate personal self-development and development of team
• The skill and confidence to implement initiatives and work on own judgement and decisions
• The ability to adhere to all health and safety practices
• High levels of personal hygiene and appearance
• Must have full UK and Ireland driving licence
• Food safety L3 and IOSH (essential)
• City and Guilds diploma or equivalent in catering (qualified chef essential)

Remuneration 

You will receive a highly competitive salary as well as a performance related bonus and access to excellent benefits