At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and manage food operations at a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values teamwork and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and great wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
As Cook Manager for Sodexo at Banstead Community 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 lives as the person they go to for direction and support, which will in turn foster a vibrant and productive work environment. You will not work unsociable hours and you will get public holidays off, including Christmas!
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 in 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.
In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards, and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
Package Description:
- £15.00 per hour
- 35 hours per week
- Working pattern: Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm
- Term Time only (39 week working contract paid over 52 weeks)
- 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.
Further information will be supplied at interview stage.
Cook Manager in Surrey employer: Sodexo Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry or even at schools. You never know who might have a lead on a Cook Manager position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is a great way to showcase your expertise and passion for food while also getting a feel for the team and environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the school and its catering needs. Think about how your experience with large-scale cooking and team management can make a difference in their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you’re not just about the food, but also about creating a great atmosphere for your team and the students.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with large-scale cooking and any previous management roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team, so don’t forget to mention your leadership skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various menu options and how to create them. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new dishes and how you would cater to a large number of students while maintaining quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cook Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or trained staff in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this will be key to fostering a positive kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Make sure you can talk confidently about health and safety procedures in the kitchen. Discuss any relevant certifications you hold and how you ensure compliance in your previous roles. This shows that you take food safety seriously.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing a busy service or dealing with a team conflict. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.