At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen, manage operations, and inspire your team to create amazing meals.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values passion and purpose in the kitchen.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, no unsociable hours, and public holidays off.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with career progression and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through delicious food and leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and staff management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Oasis Academy Oldham, Victoria Inn, Hollins Rd, Oldham, OL8 4JZ
Pay: £14.00 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday–Friday, 7:30am - 2:30pm
Contract: Term Time Only – 39 weeks, Permanent, Full Time
Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Kitchen Manager for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top‑tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas! Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
What You’ll Do:
- Manage day‑to‑day catering operations, including food preparation, service, and kitchen organisation
- Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high performance and standards
- Control labour, food, and stock costs, ensuring operations stay within budget
- Plan and develop menus in line with customer needs and company standards
- Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and presented to a high standard
- Deliver efficient, friendly customer service and support front‑of‑house during busy periods
- Maintain strict food hygiene, health, and safety standards at all times
- Monitor deliveries, check temperatures, and complete all required documentation
- Conduct routine checks and audits to ensure compliance with company procedures
- Keep kitchen and service areas clean, organised, and fully stocked
- Handle customer feedback and resolve issues where possible
- Support special events and provide cover during staff shortages
- Carry out additional duties as required by management
What You Bring:
- Experience cooking on a large scale (100–1300 students)
- Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
- Prior staff supervision or line management experience
- Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
- Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
- Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
- Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
- Hold basic food handling certifications, including: NVQ Level 2, Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- At least one year of hands‑on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)
What We Offer:
- A dynamic and supportive work environment
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Full training and protective uniform provided
- No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!
- Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
- Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
- Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
- Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you! Apply today and help us create a brighter future!
Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre‑employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
Kitchen Manager in Oldham employer: Sodexo Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sodexo and their values. This way, you can show how your passion for food and leadership aligns with their mission. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to kitchen management and your experience. Think about how you’ve handled challenges in the past and be ready to share those stories. We want to hear about your journey!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a kitchen role, showing up looking professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to lead with passion.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that reflects your professionalism!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your passion and how it drives you to create amazing meals.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've successfully managed or trained staff. We want to see how you inspire others!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just say you have experience; give us the details! Talk about the scale of operations you've handled, the types of menus you've developed, and how you've maintained high standards in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Ltd
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, especially in a school setting. Be ready to discuss how you would manage food preparation and service for a large number of students, as well as how you would maintain high standards in hygiene and safety.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you trained staff or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share these stories to demonstrate your positive leadership style.
✨Be Menu Savvy
Familiarise yourself with menu planning and development. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would create menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while staying within budget. This shows your understanding of customer needs and company standards.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and food shine through. Talk about your experience with fresh produce and ingredient preparation, and how this passion translates into creating meals that not only nourish but also inspire students. This will resonate well with the ethos of Sodexo.