Head Chef

As Head Chef with Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT, you'll take the lead in delivering a high-quality catering service within a busy military environment. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation, safety and service. You'll bring strong kitchen leadership experience, a passion for great food and the confidence to manage both the operational and people aspects of a busy catering environment. What you'll do: Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating an engaged, high-performing working environment Manage and support Chefs, military Chefs and Kitchen Porters, providing clear direction, coaching and training Plan and manage team rotas, leave and staffing requirements to ensure the kitchen is effectively resourced Take ownership of menu delivery, ensuring recipes, specifications and portion controls are consistently followed Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring excellent standards are maintained throughout service Maintain full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen legislation and Sodexo procedures Ensure all kitchen due diligence, temperature monitoring, food storage and safety documentation is accurately completed Drive successful internal and external audit performance and ensure any required actions are addressed Manage stock ordering, stocktaking and kitchen supplies, maintaining effective controls and reducing unnecessary waste Monitor food consumption and waste against agreed targets, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs Contribute to the financial performance of the catering operation, including payroll, stock, waste and P&L management Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and customers, responding professionally to feedback and resolving concerns Ensure contractual service standards, KPIs and operational requirements are consistently achieved Lead pre-service briefings, team huddles and toolbox talks to maintain strong communication across the kitchen Identify and implement opportunities to improve service, efficiency, customer satisfaction and overall kitchen performance Work closely with the Centre Manager and Food Services Manager to support the wider catering operation Be a visible, hands-on leader who sets the standard for food quality, safety, customer service and team performance

• Previous experience leading a kitchen team in a busy catering environment
• A recognised catering qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 and 3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent
• Intermediate level Food Safety qualification
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and develop a team
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confident verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on your own initiative while contributing effectively as part of the wider team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• A flexible approach to meet the requirements of a busy operational environment
Desirable:
• Previous experience working within a military or Defence environment
• CIEH Level 3 or equivalent
• IOSH qualification or equivalent
  
  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 & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day