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- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, supervise chefs, and ensure high-quality food service.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in quality food services and catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, wellbeing support, and financial perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values safety, collaboration, and excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Work at Merville Barracks with opportunities for professional growth.
- Mon to Friday shifts with occasional weekends. No split shifts.
- Typical shifts are 06:00 – 14:00, 10:00 – 18:00, 12:00 – 20:00
Are you a skilled and motivated chef with a passion for leading teams and delivering exceptional service?Sodexo is looking for an experienced Floating Chef Supervisorto join our catering team at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester CO2 7UT, and play a key role in providing high-quality food services across multiple on-site locations.
As a Floating Chef Supervisor, you will support the delivery of catering services to our client organisation by overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, supervising a team of chefs, and deputising for the Head Chef when required.You will help ensure our service meets exacting standards while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and excellence.
What you’ll do:
- Supervise and support kitchen operations across multiple on-site locations to ensure a smooth and consistent service delivery.
- Deputise for Head Chefs during periods of absence, providing continuity of leadership and service quality.
- Lead, coach, and motivate a team of chefs to perform to high standards and support their professional development.
- Participate in training and development programmes and support the upskilling of team members.
- Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and presented in accordance with recipe cards and agreed standards, ensuring quality, portion control, and minimal waste.
- Support the effective management of ingredient usage and stock rotation to reduce waste and control food costs.
- Monitor kitchen safety, hygiene, and cleanliness, ensuring all food handling and storage complies with Sodexo’s Safety Management System and relevant legislation.
- Ensure accurate and timely temperature checks for hot and cold food storage areas, fridges, freezers, and holding equipment, and record results as required.
- Oversee the shift operations, making real-time decisions to ensure all catering deliverables are met and service interruptions are avoided.
- Attend team briefings, huddles, and operational meetings, contributing feedback and ensuring team alignment with service goals.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised working environment at all times, reporting faults or near misses promptly to management.
- Ensure correct uniform and PPE is worn by the team in line with hygiene and safety protocols.
- Support the implementation of opening and closing down procedures to maintain safety, security, and readiness.
- Maintain strong client and customer relationships by addressing issues professionally and ensuring consistent service quality.
- Communicate effectively with line managers, team members, and clients to ensure operational transparency and alignment.
- Manage and maintain catering equipment and supplies responsibly, reporting any maintenance needs or losses.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, policies, and legislative requirements.
- Actively engage with Sodexo’s principles of Collaborative Business Relationships (BS11000) to support a culture of cooperation and mutual success.
What you bring:
- Proven experience in a catering operational role
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining standards
- Solid understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations
- Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Minimum qualifications: BSC (Catering), MHCIM, HND, City and Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3, with Intermediate Food Safety certification
- Previous experience in a military catering environment
What we offer:
- On-the-job training with experienced professionals
- Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications
- Career development opportunities within Sodexo
- A friendly and supportive work environment
- Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
- Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities.
- Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform.
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Chef Supervisor employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sodexo's values and principles, especially their focus on collaboration and service quality. This will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in previous roles, particularly in kitchen environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and maintained high standards, as this is crucial for the Floating Chef Supervisor position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations in detail. Given the importance of compliance in this role, showcasing your understanding and experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Sodexo if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and supervisory roles. Emphasise your leadership skills, ability to manage kitchen operations, and any specific achievements in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and team leadership. Mention your understanding of health and safety regulations and how you can contribute to maintaining high standards at Sodexo.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as BSC (Catering), NVQ Level 2 & 3, and any food safety certifications. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and commitment to professional development.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members and clients in past roles. Strong communication is key for a Floating Chef Supervisor, so make this a focal point.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chef Supervisor, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing and motivating teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen or catering operation.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Understanding health and safety regulations is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations. This will show your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Floating Chef Supervisor and how you would handle them. This could include managing staff conflicts or dealing with unexpected supply shortages.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you keep your team informed and aligned with service goals. Highlight any experience you have in liaising with clients or other departments to ensure smooth operations.
