At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance food services for up to 1,500 students daily across multiple schools.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in catering with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, sociable hours, public holidays off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced work-life with term-time only contracts and equated pay.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Cook Manager in high-volume environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22.5 - 22.5 £ per hour.
As a Lead Cook Manager for Sodexo, you will oversee catering operations across multiple sites, including Grey Court School, Chessington School, and Hollyfield School. This is a senior, hands-on cooking role with approximately 80% of your time based at Grey Court School, where you will work closely alongside the Chef and kitchen team to lead and enhance the food offer for up to 1,500 students each day.
The key focus of the role is to drive improvements in food quality, menu development, presentation, and the overall dining experience, ensuring that Grey Court School delivers one of the strongest school catering offers in the region. In addition to your responsibilities at Grey Court School, you will provide leadership and support across Chessington School and Hollyfield School, overseeing food quality, service standards, and special events to ensure consistency across the Trust.
You will support the Cook Managers with the day-to-day running of their kitchens, including stock takes, ordering, operational support, and sickness cover where required. We are looking for an individual with a strong craft background who is passionate about food and has the culinary expertise to improve and develop the catering offer.
What you do:
- Lead and continually improve the food offer at Grey Court School, serving up to 1,500 students each day.
- Work closely with the Chef and kitchen team to drive food quality, presentation, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee food quality and catering standards across Chessington School and Hollyfield School, ensuring consistency throughout the Trust.
- Support Cook Managers with the day-to-day operation of their kitchens, providing guidance, coaching, and operational support.
- Lead, mentor, train, and inspire kitchen teams to achieve the highest standards.
- Manage the creation and development of menus that are nutritious, appealing, and commercially successful.
- Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs.
- Manage and optimise all costs that are under your control.
- Ensure consistency in food and service standards provided to staff, visitors, and students.
- Support and oversee hospitality and special events across the schools.
- Conduct routine audits to ensure standards, food safety, and compliance requirements are maintained.
What you bring:
- A strong craft background with proven experience as a Chef, Head Chef, Cook Manager, or similar catering professional.
- Experience working in a high-volume catering environment, ideally serving large numbers of customers daily.
- A passion for food quality and a proven ability to improve catering standards and develop food offers.
- Previous management or supervisory experience with the ability to lead and motivate teams.
- Experience developing menus and working with fresh ingredients and produce.
- Strong understanding of food safety, health and safety, and kitchen compliance requirements.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across several sites.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards in a busy catering environment.
- Professional, positive, and able to lead by example.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
- Previous experience in a similar Chef, Cook Manager, or catering management role.
- Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety will be provided.
Why Sodexo? For a job that is a perfect mix of passion, perks and potential.
£22.50 per hour, 40 hours per week, Working pattern: Monday - Friday (7am - 3pm), Term Time only (39 week Working Contract paid over 52 weeks). Must have a Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle.
Equated pay (sometimes known as spread-over pay) is a method of paying you for your contracted hours, working weeks and holiday pay spread over 12 months instead of just receiving pay during the months that you work and none during the school closures/non-working weeks. This means that you get paid equal amounts of pay every month. Further information will be supplied at interview stage.
Leading Cook Manager employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for food meets professional growth. As a Lead Cook Manager, you will enjoy a balanced work-life schedule with no unsociable hours, alongside competitive pay and unique benefits such as equated pay, ensuring financial stability throughout the year. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences for students while being part of a supportive team that values your culinary expertise and leadership skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leading 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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 Leading 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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
