At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, create exciting menus, and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
- Company: Join Sodexo at Notting Hill Prep School, where your passion for food meets meaningful service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and over 20 unique benefits including retail discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your ideas and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Proven chef experience, strong leadership skills, and recognised culinary qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Notting Hill Prep School, 1B Thorpe Close, London, W10 5XL
Salary: £34,000 - £36,000
Hours: 40 Hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday – Friday 06:30/07:30 - 15:30/16:00
Term Time: Yes! Please note, the earliest start date is end of August 2026.
Job Introduction
At Sodexo, we believe in delivering outstanding service, fostering meaningful experiences, and empowering our teams to thrive. We’re on the lookout for a passionate and motivated Head Chef to become an integral part of our dynamic team at Notting Hill Prep School. If you’re ready to drive excellence and innovation in leading kitchen operations, crafting exceptional menus, and delivering outstanding culinary experiences, this is the opportunity for you!
What You’ll do:
- Manage team rotas, daily briefings, and effective communication across the kitchen team.
- Oversee ordering, delivery checks, stock control, and proper storage procedures.
- Ensure allergen information is accurate, accessible, and updated, with daily briefings to support safe service.
- Work collaboratively with other departments to deliver hospitality and special functions to a professional standard.
- Support the Catering Manager with recruitment, training, performance, and discipline procedures.
- Ensure staff work hygienically and maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness at all times.
- Liaise closely with the Catering Manager to plan and execute school events, including those outside normal hours.
- Apply knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and nutritional requirements for Pre‑Prep pupils to deliver age‑appropriate, engaging menus.
- Bring awareness of current food trends to keep menus fresh, modern, and appealing within a school setting.
- Demonstrate resilience during peak service times and uphold Sodexo and school Safeguarding standards.
What You’ll Bring:
- Proven experience as a Chef leading a busy, client‑facing kitchen.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a kitchen team.
- Confidence using digital systems and basic IT for ordering, compliance, and communication.
- The ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining high standards.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- A positive, proactive attitude toward learning, self‑development, and professional growth.
- High levels of self‑motivation and resilience.
- Recognised culinary qualifications such as 706/2, NVQ Chef qualifications, or equivalent.
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo isn’t just another job but a chance to be part of something that matters. Here, you’re welcomed for who you are, encouraged to bring your ideas and purpose to the table, and given the opportunity to make a real difference in the work you do every day. You’ll also find the support, flexibility, and room you need to grow in a way that feels right for you. With over 20 Sodexo benefits to choose from, you’ll have access to a competitive retirement plan, discounts at 1,900+ retail brands, great gym offers, and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for emotional, legal, and financial support.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
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).
Note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
