Executive Chef

Job Introduction

Would you like to part of a growing, best in class business?  Passionate about fine dining and delivering a high-quality service?

We have a career enhancing opportunity for an Executive Chef. Based at Woldingham School - set in 700 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, this is one of the UK's leading day and boarding schools for girls.

This role blends leadership, stakeholder management and developing culinary strategies.

What’s in it for you?

• Critical to the growth and evolution of a prestigious school
• Inspiring location
• Collaboration with the Head of Catering & Hospitality
• First-rate facilities
• Competitive salary – £45,000 -£50,000 + flexible benefits

Role Responsibility

• Accountable for delivering a culinary strategy for Woldingham School and Independents by Sodexo which delivers “best in class” food and service to all customers and key stakeholders
• Spearhead the kitchen team and direction of the Head Chefs with the support from the Development Chefs
• Develop the craft skills of the kitchen team - continuous training, coaching and mentoring
• Cross-collaborative internal and external stakeholder management
• Guarantee that all sites are complying with company standards in relation to food standards & offer implementation
• Ensure that high standards of health, hygiene, cleaning & food are being achieved across the school and to deal with any breaches through action plan and support to the Head of Catering & Hospitality & Account Manager
• Ensure the standards across the site(s) are in accordance with the Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators specified in the service contract
• Actively seek and identify opportunities for business growth both within the contract and the external market.
• In-still Sodexo values and a positive, client first culture across the team
• Ownership for personal development, training and communication with you manager

Location:

Direct trains to central London and onsite parking available

Shift outline:

This is a 5/7 operation 52 weeks per year, with groups and weddings in school holidays. There will be an expectation of doing one weekend in 3 or 4 dependent on the requirement. Flexibility is key.

Environment:

Woldingham is set within 700 acres of the most beautiful Surrey countryside providing space to explore, space to roam and space to think. The 19th century main building sits alongside purpose-built science labs, humanities and language hubs, studios for art, drama and music, and a 600-seat auditorium.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record in managing and leading a multi outlet, fresh food, seven-day, high quality catering operation
• Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
• Strong financial understanding and demonstrable in understanding budgets
• Experienced in adhering to and driving company initiatives
• Proven ability communicating at different levels
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Experience working in a standards /compliance environment
• Relevant qualification and training
• IT literate
• Experience in the education segment would be an advantage

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. 

Package Description

£45,000 - £50,000 per annum plus excellent benefits available

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 36,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the energy, corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

At Sodexo we are committed to a leading role in promoting equality opportunities and valuing diversity and inclusion. We seek to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals, building a culture that appreciates and values the experiences and skills brought by each person to benefit our organisation and work hard to ensure that all people, whatever their race, colour, sex, gender identity  disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age, social class, educational background, employment status, working pattern, are welcome to and included within our organisation. 

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 are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.