Head Chef

Job Introduction

Join Our Team as a Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day

• Salary: £32000 per annum, with excellent Sodexo Benefits 
• Days/Shift Pattern: 5 out of 7 days
• Total Hours Per Week: 40 hours per week
• 46.2 weeks contract
• Flexible working arrangements to align with business needs and some weekend requirements
• Staff workplace meals provided for
• Exceptional Sodexo benefits with Great discounts & Recognition
• Potential progression within Sodexo
• Location: The Hammond School, Mannings Lane, Hoole Bank, Chester CH2 4ES

Are you a passionate and experienced chef ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a prestigious educational setting? We’re seeking a talented Head Chef to take the reins of its culinary operation, delivering high-quality meals for pupils and staff, as well as managing hospitality and catering events to an exceptional standard. You will be responsible for the timely and efficient preparation of all core feeding, within all catering areas of The Hammond School & Boarding Houses.

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 core culinary activities in all catering locations.
• Assist the catering management in interviewing, recruiting, inducting, and management of staff according to the needs of the site and within the procedures laid down by the company and/or School and if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance..
• Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets and ensure that quality is maintained throughout service.
• Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
• Nurture client relationships to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business. 
• Exceptional management of Food Hygiene, Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation using the Sodexo Safety Management System. 
• Responsible for driving Continuous Improvement and innovation to realise the expectations of the school and catering management 
• Strategic and technical support – professional advice to customers, peers and the team.
• Plan, cost and implement of all menus on the DRIVe planning tool ensuring all menus are balanced, provide variety and seasonality, exhibit innovation and current trends and are financially robust. 
• Work with the catering management to control the labour budget ensuring personnel is scheduled against business needs in a cost-effective manner. 
• Be an active (site based) member of the Chef Development team for Independents by Sodexo by contributing dishes and recipes, attending meetings, assisting with projects

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

What you bring:

• Professional Culinary Qualification
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy
• Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment
• 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
  
  

Desirable

• Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches
• Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification

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:

• Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.
• Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Discounts & Financial Benefits: Exclusive deals through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, alongside insights and savings via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Retirement Planning: Join the Sodexo Retirement Plan to secure your future.
• Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.
• Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.

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.