At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Sodexo at Ruskin Junior School, a supportive and welcoming environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Access to mental health support, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 22900 - 22900 £ per year.
As Chef Manager for Sodexo at Ruskin Junior School, you will oversee all aspects of the food and beverage operations as well as the finances for your school’s kitchen. You will be responsible for ensuring that the food and level of service are of the highest calibre and that the school catering is among the best in the region. Your attitude will influence your team's daily experience as the person they look to for guidance and support, helping to foster a positive, vibrant, and productive working environment.
A successful Chef Manager must be able to plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals at scale, ensuring menus meet School Food Standards while catering for allergens, dietary, cultural, and special requirements. You will bring strong leadership and team management skills, including supervising staff, organising rotas, training team members, and maintaining high performance in a busy kitchen environment. The role also requires solid experience in budget management, stock control, ordering, and waste reduction, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
You will benefit from a great work-life balance with no unsociable hours and enjoy public holidays off, including Christmas. Additional benefits include free parking at site, access to rewards and development opportunities, and the chance to work within a welcoming and supportive small primary school environment.
What you do:
- Manage the replenishment of food and the dismantling of work areas at the end of service.
- Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
- Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food, and stock expenses.
- Manage and optimise all costs that are under your control.
- Ensure uniformity in the food and service standards provided to fellow staff members, visitors and students.
- Manage the creation and development of menus.
- Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are being followed.
What you bring:
- Must have expertise on cooking on a large scale, anywhere between 100 – 1300 students.
- Have experience following recipes, possibly in a similar setting.
- Have previous staff supervision experience or line management experience.
- Have experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
- Be aware of the importance of adhering to health and safety procedures.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in a busy kitchen environment.
- Be professional, leading by example and having a positive outlook is key.
- Hold basic food handling skills certification: NVQ Level 2, Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in hands-on cooking, training on Food Hygiene, and Health & Safety will be given.
What we offer:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work-related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- A death in Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
- Competitive compensation.
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
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).
Chef Manager in Swindon employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and vibrant work culture at Ruskin Junior School in Swindon. As a Chef Manager, you will enjoy a great work-life balance with no unsociable hours, public holidays off, and access to numerous employee benefits including mental health support, development opportunities, and a welcoming environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while thriving in your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Swindon
✨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 Chef Manager in Swindon
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!
