At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, preparing up to 1,500 fresh meals daily.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in school catering with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing and success through quality food.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 18.5 - 18.5 £ per hour.
Join Our Team as a Cook Manager – Lead One of Our Largest School Catering Operations
Days/Shift Pattern: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only – 39 weeks, paid over 52 weeks)
Working Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Salary: £18.50 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package
At Sodexo, we know that school meals do far more than feed students—they fuel learning, wellbeing and success. We're looking for an experienced Cook Manager who thrives in a busy, high-volume catering environment and enjoys leading from the front. This is an exciting opportunity to manage one of our larger secondary school catering operations, serving up to 1,500 freshly prepared meals each day. If you're passionate about producing quality food, developing teams and delivering an exceptional dining experience whilst enjoying an outstanding work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As Cook Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall running of the school kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, compliance and operational excellence. Working closely with your catering team, school staff and Sodexo management, you'll oversee the daily catering operation whilst creating a positive dining experience for students and staff. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in ensuring every service runs smoothly.
Your Responsibilities Include:
- Leading a busy kitchen producing up to
- Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals
- Managing and motivating a large catering team
- Supporting, training and developing kitchen staff
- Managing food ordering, deliveries and supplier relationships
- Completing daily paperwork and compliance documentation
- Running daily operational reports
- Carrying out weekly stock takes and inputting stock information onto company systems
- Managing food costs and stock control to achieve financial targets
- Ensuring excellent food presentation and customer service
- Maintaining exceptional Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety standards
- Managing allergen compliance and food safety procedures
- Preparing for internal and external audits
- Working collaboratively with the school leadership team and Sodexo management
- Helping to drive meal uptake through engaging food offers and themed events
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on both your team and the students you serve every day.
What We’re Looking For
We're looking for an experienced catering professional who enjoys leading busy kitchen operations and takes pride in delivering excellent food and service.
- Previous experience as a Cook Manager
- Experience within school catering, education catering, contract catering or other large-scale catering environments
- Experience cooking for high-volume services (500–1,500 covers)
- Strong leadership experience managing large kitchen teams
- Excellent cooking skills and food presentation
- Experience managing food ordering, stock control and budgets
- Experience completing kitchen administration and compliance paperwork
- Strong computer skills and confidence using catering systems
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Thorough knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety legislation
- Ability to remain calm under pressure whilst leading a busy service
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- Previous Cook Manager experience within education catering
- Experience increasing school meal uptake
- Knowledge of School Food Standards
- Experience completing daily reports and weekly stock management using computerised systems
- Experience leading, motivating and developing large catering teams
- Knowledge of allergen management
What We Offer
At Sodexo, this is more than just a job — it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose‑driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. When you join us, you’ll become part of a supportive team with opportunities to grow, develop and make a real difference every day.
- Free meal provided each working day
- Excellent work-life balance with Monday–Friday working hours
- Term-time working with school holidays off
- Opportunities for career growth and progression within Sodexo
- Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform
- Employee Assistance Programme offering legal, financial and personal support
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Exclusive discounts for you, your family and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme
- Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future
- Learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and support career progression
- Cycle to Work Scheme, supporting both your wellbeing and the environment
Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?
If you're an experienced Cook Manager looking to lead a large, fast‑paced school catering operation where you can make a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.
Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
Cook Manager in Richmond employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Richmond
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Richmond
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
