Kitchen Manager

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Kitchen Manager for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off-including Christmas! Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do:

• Manage day-to-day catering operations, including food preparation, service, and kitchen organisation
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high performance and standards
• Control labour, food, and stock costs, ensuring operations stay within budget
• Plan and develop menus in line with customer needs and company standards
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and presented to a high standard
• Deliver efficient, friendly customer service and support front-of-house during busy periods
• Maintain strict food hygiene, health, and safety standards at all times
• Monitor deliveries, check temperatures, and complete all required documentation
• Conduct routine checks and audits to ensure compliance with company procedures
• Keep kitchen and service areas clean, organised, and fully stocked
• Handle customer feedback and resolve issues where possible
• Support special events and provide cover during staff shortages
• Carry out additional duties as required by management
  
  Experience cooking on a large scale (100-1300 students)
• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
• Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
• Hold basic food handling certifications, including:
+ NVQ Level 2 + Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)
  
  Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.


• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off-including Christmas!
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn't just a job-it's a chance to be part of something bigger. If you're ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!