Job Introduction
Cook Manager
Location: Danecourt Primary School, Hotel Road, Gillingham, ME8 6AA
Salary: £ plus benefits
Lead with purpose – join Sodexo!
Are you ready to take charge and make a meaningful impact? As a Cook Manager at Sodexo, you’ll oversee all aspects of food, beverage, and financial operations for your school’s kitchen. You’ll ensure the food and service provided are second to none, fostering an environment where your team thrives and your school’s catering becomes the benchmark in the region.
Why join Sodexo?
* Work-life balance: No late nights or unsociable hours – and you’ll enjoy public holidays off, including Christmas!
* Leadership with purpose: Inspire and support your team while delivering excellence every day.
* Belonging: Join a company where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive on your own terms.
What you’ll do:
* Lead the kitchen team by developing, mentoring, and inspiring them to perform at their best.
* Manage and optimize the entire catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs.
* Plan, create, and develop innovative menus that excite and delight.
* Conduct routine audits to ensure high standards of food quality, service, and compliance.
* Oversee the preparation and dismantling of food service areas with precision and care.
* Ensure consistent standards in food and service for staff, students, and visitors.
What you’ll bring:
* Proven experience cooking for large groups (100-1300 students).
* Knowledge of working with fresh ingredients and following recipes to perfection.
* Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
* Awareness and adherence to health, safety, and hygiene procedures.
* Ability to handle the pressure of a busy kitchen environment and meet tight deadlines.
* A positive, professional attitude that inspires your team to succeed.
* Relevant certifications:
o NVQ Level 2
o Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
o At least 1 year of hands-on cooking experience preferred (training provided).
What’s in it for you?
At Sodexo, you’re more than just an employee – you’re part of a team that values your unique skills and contributions. We offer:
* Health and wellbeing support: Access to mental health resources, a 24/7 virtual GP, and wellbeing rewards.
* Financial perks: Sodexo Discounts Scheme, Salary Finance tools, and a Retirement Plan.
* Learning and growth opportunities: A range of training and development tools to support your career progression.
* Workplace benefits: Flexible work environment, Cycle to Work Scheme, and volunteering opportunities.
* Family support: Employee Assistance Programme and death-in-service benefit.
Ready to take the lead?
Join Sodexo and be part of something bigger. Apply today and start making a difference!
Package Description
“ For a job that’s a perfect mix of passion, perks and potential ”
* £; per hour
* ; hours per week
* Working pattern: Monday-Friday 08:30-14:30
* Term Time only (39 week Working Contract paid over 52 weeks)**
**Equated pay (sometimes known as spread-over pay) is a method of paying you for your contracted hours, working weeks and holiday pay spread over 12 months instead of just receiving pay during the months that you work and none during the school closures/non-working weeks. This means that you get paid equal amounts of pay every month. Further information will be supplied at interview stage.**