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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and manage food operations at a primary school.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving quality of life for millions daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, public holidays off, and access to mental health support.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values your contributions and fosters personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and staff supervision is essential.
- Other info: Competitive pay of £15.30 per hour with opportunities for career development.
As Cook Manager for Sodexo at Netherbrook Primary 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 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.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7.
- 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.
- 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.
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sodexo's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality of life and community service will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Sodexo. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen and lead a team effectively. Highlighting your successes in similar roles will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in school catering and food safety. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to maintaining high standards in food service.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering management, especially in large-scale cooking environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you managed a team or kitchen operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food service and your ability to create a positive work environment. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your expertise in managing food operations and adhering to health and safety standards.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 and Food Safety Certificates. If you have additional training or certifications related to health and safety, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've developed and mentored kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any training programmes you've implemented or participated in, as this aligns with the role's focus on team development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in staff supervision and how you've inspired and mentored your team in the past. Share specific examples of how you fostered a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Expertise
Since the role involves cooking for a large number of students, be ready to talk about your experience with large-scale food preparation. Highlight any specific recipes or menus you've developed and how you ensure quality and consistency in your dishes.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Health and safety are crucial in a kitchen environment. Be sure to discuss your understanding of food safety procedures and any relevant certifications you hold. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously and can maintain high standards.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's catering operations, team dynamics, and Sodexo's values. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
