At a Glance
- Tasks: Elevate culinary standards and drive food innovation across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company van, wellbeing support, and extensive perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food experiences and client satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary background and leadership experience in contract catering.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Salary and Benefits: 55,000 - 60,000 DOE | Company Van | Sodexo Benefits
Contract Type: Full-Time | Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and commercially minded Craft Development Chef to support and elevate culinary standards across our Corporate Services portfolio in the UK & Ireland. This is a regional role focused on driving food innovation, operational excellence, culinary training, and client satisfaction across multiple sites. You will work closely with operational teams to develop food offers, support mobilisations and tenders, improve standards, and deliver engaging, high-quality food experiences aligned with Sodexo's global food strategy. The role would suit an experienced Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Development Chef with strong operational and stakeholder management experience within contract catering or hospitality environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and develop culinary standards across multiple client sites
- Drive menu innovation, recipe development, and food presentation standards
- Support food mobilisations, service improvements, and tender activities
- Coach, mentor, and develop culinary teams across the region
- Conduct food audits, trade testing, and operational reviews
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
- Support commercial performance through labour efficiency, food cost control, and revenue opportunities
- Build strong relationships with clients and operational stakeholders
- Identify food trends and continuous improvement opportunities across the business
About You
- Essential Experience within contract catering, hospitality, or corporate dining environments
- Strong culinary background with leadership experience across multi-site operations
- Passion for food innovation, menu development, and service excellence
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Commercial awareness including food cost, labour, and operational performance
- Advanced Food Safety qualification
- Full UK & Ireland driving licence
- Desirable City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent culinary qualification
- IOSH or health & safety qualification
- Experience supporting tenders, mobilisations, or food concept development
Why Sodexo?:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Belong in a company and team that values you for you. Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. Thrive in your own way. We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
- Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies
A little more about Sodexo:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins. We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Craft Development Chef - Cork employer: Sodexo Ireland
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where culinary innovation thrives. As a Craft Development Chef in Cork, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, extensive training opportunities, and a range of perks including wellbeing support and a robust Employee Assistance Programme. Join a diverse team committed to creating a better everyday life for everyone while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Development Chef - Cork
✨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 Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Ireland 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 Craft Development Chef - Cork
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 Ireland 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 Ireland
✨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!
