Executive Chef

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

Job Introduction

Are you a seasoned Executive Head Chef with a passion for leading culinary excellence in a high-energy, fast-paced environment? We're looking for a dynamic, creative, and organised leader to oversee our bustling catering operation at Sevenoaks School, one of the UK's leading independent schools.

This is no ordinary role—serving up to 3,000 meals daily and managing an array of events and functions throughout the year, including hospitality and fine dining. You'll lead a large and skilled team, ensuring top-quality service and innovation while maintaining high standards of food safety and efficiency. This position involves working across six days a week, including some Saturdays, in a setting that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and high expectations.

If you're ready to inspire, innovate, and take on the exciting challenge of leading a prestigious school's culinary program, we want to hear from you!

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:

Coordinate and direct all culinary activities in D Block and other locations
Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.
Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo’s revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities, labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail and commercial operations.
Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships
Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchens and manage poor performance.
Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.

For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description

What you bring:

NVQ level 3 Food Production certificate or equivalent
Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification
Strong level of literacy and numeracy
Experienced Senior Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment, with commercial food knowledge
Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player
Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times
Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade
Clear, strong and effective leadership style
Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Ability to set and maintain standards
PC Literate
Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches

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
Contributory pension scheme
Flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise across an array of benefits

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. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Salary	£60,000 per annum
Frequency	Annual
Job Reference	SDX/TP/SR205084/SU
Contract Type	Permanent – Full Time
Closing Date	08 October, 2024
Job Category	Chefs
Business Unit	UK Schools
Location	Sevenoaks School, High Street Sevenoaks, TN13 1HU, United Kingdom
Posted on	16 September, 2024

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