At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school catering operations and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a supportive team that values your skills.
- Benefits: Earn £16.00 per hour with mileage reimbursement and bonuses.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a positive work environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule with school holidays off!
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
Mobile Cook Manager – Kent & South East London
£16.00 per hour | 35 hours per week | Monday–Friday | Term Time Only
Working hours: 7:30am–2:30pm
Areas covered: Kent, South East London, Medway, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Ashford.
Love cooking? Ready for a role that offers a better work-life balance? Enjoy a great work-life balance with Monday to Friday working – no weekends! School holidays off. Christmas and public holidays off. 35 hours per week. Term-time contract, with pay spread evenly over 12 months. Mileage expenses reimbursed. Additional retention bonus of up to £500!
Join Sodexo and become part of a supportive team where your skills are valued, your contribution matters and you have the opportunity to make a real difference.
What you do:
- Taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of school catering operations across different sites.
- Leading, motivating and supporting kitchen teams to deliver excellent service.
- Preparing and overseeing the production of fresh, high-quality meals on a large scale.
- Managing food ordering, replenishment, stock control and kitchen resources.
- Monitoring labour, food and operational costs to ensure budgets are maintained.
- Creating and developing menus that meet the needs of pupils and school staff.
- Ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and customer service.
- Carrying out regular kitchen audits and ensuring all food hygiene, health and safety procedures are followed.
- Supporting and training colleagues, helping them develop their skills and confidence.
What We're Looking For:
We're looking for someone who is passionate about food, confident in the kitchen and enjoys leading and supporting a team. You'll ideally have:
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (essential, as travel between school sites is required).
- Experience cooking on a large scale, ideally catering for between 100 and 1,300 pupils.
- Previous experience working as a Cook, Chef, Cook Manager or in a similar catering environment.
- Experience supervising, managing or supporting a kitchen team.
- Experience working with fresh ingredients and produce.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety procedures.
- The ability to work independently, manage your time effectively and adapt to different kitchen environments.
- A positive attitude, professional approach and the ability to lead by example.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
Don't have all the qualifications? If you have at least one year's hands-on cooking experience, we can provide training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety.
What's in it for you?
At Sodexo, we believe in rewarding our colleagues and providing opportunities to grow. Alongside a competitive hourly rate, you'll benefit from:
- £16.00 per hour.
- 35 hours per week.
- Mileage reimbursement: £0.45 per mile for the first 10,000 miles and £0.25 per mile thereafter.
- £200 retention bonus upon successful completion of your 12-week probation.
- A further £300 retention bonus after 52 weeks of service.
- All eligible business travel expenses reimbursed.
Work-life balance:
- Monday to Friday working.
- 7:30am–2:30pm.
- Term-time only (39 working weeks per year).
- Pay spread evenly over 52 weeks, meaning you'll receive a consistent monthly salary throughout the year.
- School holidays and public holidays off, including Christmas!
Additional benefits:
- Employee Assistance Programme, including access to financial and legal advice.
- 24-hour virtual GP access and health and wellbeing support.
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, with savings for you, friends and family.
- Access to the Salary Finance Platform.
- Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- Death in Service benefit.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Career development, training and progression opportunities.
- Full protective uniform provided.
Your next opportunity starts here! If you're an experienced Cook or Chef who enjoys leading a team, loves working with fresh food and wants a role that offers genuine work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your passion for food, your leadership skills and your enthusiasm to Sodexo.
Please note: This role involves travelling between school sites, so a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential. Sodexo and its clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment screening, including references and DBS checks where applicable.
Equated pay: Your contracted hours, working weeks and holiday pay are spread over 12 months, meaning you receive equal monthly payments throughout the year, including during school closure periods.
Mobile Cook Manager employer: Independents by Sodexo
At Sodexo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. As a Security Officer at HMPPS Newbold Revel in Rugby, you'll benefit from comprehensive wellbeing support, career growth opportunities, and a range of financial perks, all while contributing to the safety and security of our community. Join us and experience a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobile Cook Manager
✨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 Independents by Sodexo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Independents by Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Independents by Sodexo 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 Mobile Cook Manager
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 Independents by Sodexo 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 Independents by Sodexo
✨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!
