At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create exceptional food experiences for students and staff.
- Company: Join a supportive and inclusive team at St Leonards School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like mental health support, discounts, and a Bike to Work Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experienced chef with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join Our Team as an Executive Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day
Location: St Leonards School, 10 The Pends, St Andrews. KY16 9QJ
Days/Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7 predominantly Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 40hrs
Salary: Circa £43,000 - £45,000, with excellent benefits
We are looking for a talented and inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at St Leonards School in St Andrews. This is a high‑profile, hands‑on role where you will act as the culinary figurehead on site, driving standards, creativity and excellence across core feeding, retail and hospitality. You will lead a team delivering food for approximately 500 students and staff, alongside occasional fine dining and summer events. This role requires a chef with a strong hospitality background, capable of balancing quality‑led, restaurant‑standard food with the demands of a busy school environment. Working closely with the client, you will be highly visible, building relationships and bringing innovation to the food offer while maintaining strong financial and operational control. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate “foodie” who thrives on developing teams, creating exceptional food experiences, and delivering consistent excellence.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coordinate and direct all culinary activities in St Leonards and other locations in which we are asked to cater including supporting the team within the boarding houses.
- Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.
- Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo’s revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities, labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail operations.
- Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
- Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships.
- Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchens and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.
- Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.
Essential Qualifications
- NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent.
- Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate.
- IOSH Managing Safely.
- Strong level of literacy and numeracy.
- Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player.
- Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times.
- Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade.
- Clear, strong and effective leadership style.
- Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to set and maintain standards.
Desirable Qualifications
- Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches.
- PC literate.
- Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
- A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
Additional Perks & Benefits
- Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
- An Employee Assistance Programme for 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 career growth.
- A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.
Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).
Executive Head Chef employer: Sodexo Group
At St Leonards School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. As the Executive Head Chef, you will enjoy a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including access to mental health support, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and excellence in culinary arts. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and staff while enjoying the unique advantages of working in the picturesque setting of St Andrews.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and culinary achievements. A well-presented portfolio can really make you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its culinary needs. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Being knowledgeable about their operations will impress them and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create exceptional dining experiences. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but a true 'foodie' who thrives on innovation.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in a busy, client-facing environment. We’re looking for someone who can balance quality with the demands of a school setting, so be specific about how your past roles have prepared you for this challenge.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:As an Executive Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles, and how you plan to do the same with us at St Leonards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the values of the school. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating exceptional food experiences and how you can innovate within a busy school environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate, train, and develop staff while maintaining high standards. This role requires strong leadership, so be sure to convey your style and successes.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research St Leonards School and its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with clients and cater to their specific needs, especially in terms of quality and creativity in food offerings.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of budget management and cost control in a culinary setting. Be ready to discuss how you can manage purchasing effectively and identify opportunities for revenue growth while ensuring value for money.
