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Development Chef

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

Sodexo Schools have a fantastic opportunity for a Development Chef to join our talented team supporting the schools we have across England. The role will have a particular bias within the State School segment but will include Independents by Sodexo segment. 


You will be very passionate about food, innovation and confident in current food trends and global cuisines. You will be familiar with current legislation requirements particularly regarding allergens and school food requirements for age, gender and ethnic needs.  


As a highly skilled individual and experienced in leading teams, you will play a key role in developing and nurturing talent within our Chef teams and ensuring that we continually drive excellent food standards and School Food Strategy. You will have experience in presenting to stakeholders (clients, parents, pupils, colleagues) demonstrating excellence in positioning Sodexo schools as a leading operator.   


At Sodexo pupils' health and wellbeing is at the root of everything we do. We deliver fresh food to be proud of: food that will sharpen the mind, energise and rejuvenate the body. Our approach is one of partnership, our heritage and inherent family values breathe through our experienced team, empowering a naturally entrepreneurial and agile approach, but always consistently. 


This role will require travel across our sites in England, with a particular focus on the South of England. Candidates should be extremely flexible in terms of travel and ability to stay away from home on occasions throughout the year. 


While the hours are mainly Monday-Friday, a flexible and collaborative approach is required for the ideal candidate.     


Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.  
 
What you’ll do:
  • Support the Schools & University segment to deliver agreed food strategy.  
  • Deliver to school standards on food policies and legislation and to act as subject matter expert ensuring adherence to these standards at all times. 
  • Support co-design, development and deployment of food offers. 
  • Co-develop and deliver agreed training programmes to ensure standards are met and guidance is followed 
  • Engage with all stakeholders, customers, clients and managers to deliver to expected standards. 
  • Continuous development of innovative food presentations 
  • Responsible in supporting local teams - new offer deployment & mobilisations through leadership and planned team meetings. 
  • Act as lead chef within the Schools Segment on offer refresh against agreed plan to measurable outcomes. 
  • Act as guide to relief chef teams to ensure consistency of message, standards and onsite delivery. 
  • Actively support onsite teams on agreed projects, pilot initiatives and added value projects with pan segment benefits. 
  • As a lead chef, act as mentor to drive engagement with Chefs teams - creating a recognised successful award-winning Schools  team. 
  • Deliver agreed professional family initiatives – focus on sustainability. 
  • Expert support to lead on key events throughout the year – Special and VIP events (summer balls etc), conferences. 
  • Working with external consultant chefs, professional bodies, industry experts on key initiatives. 
What you bring:
  • Multi-site experience at Head Chef level – various sector experience is an advantage 
  • A passionate, energetic individual who loves cooking, working with ingredients, and can develop practical, innovative, cost effective, on-trend dishes to appeal to pupils at all ages.   
  • Proven and extensive knowledge and experience of the contract catering and/or restaurant sector. 
  • UK experience and market understanding is a must 
  • Multi concept / multi cuisine experience and an in-depth knowledge of food 
  • Excellent financial aptitude 
  • Knowledge of recipe management system (Saffron, ROL, Drive,) or similar systems 
  • Proven track record in creating and deploying successful food initiatives 
  • Ambassador for food safety and health and safety 
  • Extremely flexible to travel within UK - roles may require some geographical preference and home working as well as ability to stay away from home as required.  
  • A good understanding of Allergens and Special Food diets is a requirement 
  • A leader of people - someone who is keen to develop talent! 

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:
  • Flexible and dynamic work environment
  • Competitive compensation
  • Access to ongoing training and development programs
  • Countless opportunities to grow within the company
We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented background
 
Salary £38000 per annum
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/RF9724/RF
Contract Type Permanent – Full Time
Closing Date 30 July, 2023
Job Category Chefs
Business Unit UK Schools
Location No fixed place of work, United Kingdom
Posted on 17 July, 2023

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