At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and deliver 5-star food quality at Eton College.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in catering with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, career growth, and mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a prestigious environment while inspiring the next generation.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior culinary roles and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
Join Our Team as a Executive Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day
Location: Eton College, Bekynton, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6ER
Working Pattern: 40hrs working 5 out of 7 days, including some weekends and evenings
Salary: up to £55,000 per annum with excellent benefits
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your senior culinary career driving the food operation for Eton College, one of the leading independent schools in the UK. This is a fantastic environment to work in, with access to excellent facilities and resources.
In this role, you will join the senior management team for the contract and provide strategic craft, food offer development and daily core feeding across a large site with multiple venues. You will also form part of the central craft development team for the wider schools business. With passion for still being in the kitchen, you will take a ‘hands on’ approach to inspiring and working with your brigade in the kitchen and balance your time in the kitchen with strategic culinary leadership.
The opportunity is suited to individuals with similar culinary leadership experience and a high level of craft skill (fine dining) and a background in craft/offer development across a group or large site. The role would also suit those who are passionate about how we engage today’s students via technology and social media.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Deliver 5-star food quality and service standards across all catering and hospitality operations
- Lead, recruit, train, and develop a high-performing kitchen team
- Oversee daily kitchen operations including menu planning, rotas, and food production
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
- Manage budgets, control costs, and achieve financial and performance targets
- Maintain strong client relationships and deliver against contractual KPIs
- Plan and execute hospitality events and special functions to a high standard
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and team performance across the operation
What You’ll Bring
- Previous experience in a senior or group culinary role, ideally within volume catering/contract catering and fine dining/events (hospitality)
- Excellent managerial skills and experience of managing a large team
- Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments and innovations
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate at all levels
- Good financial awareness
- Personal innovation and passion for quality food
- Experience working in a standards/compliance environment
What We Offer
At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- 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.
Ready to Be Part of Something Greater? If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.
Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. 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 in England employer: Sodexo Ltd
Sodexo is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture at Eton College, where you can make a meaningful impact every day. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and ample opportunities for career growth, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values individuality and innovation. Join us to lead a talented kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and enjoy unique perks like mental health support and a Bike to Work Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your culinary contacts and let them know you're on the lookout for an Executive Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on 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. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Eton College. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact every day.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for culinary arts shine through! Share specific examples of your experience in fine dining and how you've inspired your team in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Executive Head Chef role. Highlight your managerial experience and any innovative projects you've led in previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Ltd
✨Know Your Craft
As an Executive Head Chef, it's crucial to showcase your culinary skills and experience. Brush up on fine dining techniques and be ready to discuss your previous roles in detail, especially any innovative dishes or menus you've created.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong managerial abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, managed budgets, and improved operations. Highlight your experience in training and developing staff, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Eton College's ethos and values, particularly their 'Fresh Food from Scratch' approach. Be prepared to discuss how you can align your culinary vision with theirs and contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality food and service.
✨Engage with Technology and Trends
Since the role involves engaging students through technology and social media, think about how you've used these tools in your previous positions. Be ready to share ideas on how to modernise the dining experience and attract today's students.
