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.
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
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