At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, create exceptional menus, and deliver outstanding culinary experiences.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in delivering outstanding service and meaningful experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive retirement plans, discounts at 1,900+ retailers, gym offers, and 24/7 support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Proven chef experience, strong leadership skills, and recognised culinary qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Sodexo, we believe in delivering outstanding service, fostering meaningful experiences, and empowering our teams to thrive. We’re on the lookout for a passionate and motivated individual to become an integral part of our dynamic team at Notting Hill Prep School. If you're ready to drive excellence and innovation in leading kitchen operations, crafting exceptional menus, and delivering outstanding culinary experiences, this is the opportunity for you!
Responsibilities
- Manage team rotas, daily briefings, and effective communication across the kitchen team.
- Oversee ordering, delivery checks, stock control, and proper storage procedures.
- Ensure allergen information is accurate, accessible, and updated, with daily briefings to support safe service.
- Work collaboratively with other departments to deliver hospitality and special functions to a professional standard.
- Support the Catering Manager with recruitment, training, performance, and discipline procedures.
- Ensure staff work hygienically and maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness at all times.
- Liaise closely with the Catering Manager to plan and execute school events, including those outside normal hours.
- Apply knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and nutritional requirements for Pre-Prep pupils to deliver age-appropriate, engaging menus.
- Bring awareness of current food trends to keep menus fresh, modern, and appealing within a school setting.
- Demonstrate resilience during peak service times and uphold Sodexo and school Safeguarding standards.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Chef leading a busy, client‑facing kitchen.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a kitchen team.
- Confidence using digital systems and basic IT for ordering, compliance, and communication.
- The ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining high standards.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- A positive, proactive attitude toward learning, self‑development, and professional growth.
- High levels of self‑motivation and resilience.
- Recognised culinary qualifications such as 706/2, NVQ Chef qualifications, or equivalent.
Benefits
With over 20 Sodexo benefits to choose from, you'll have access to a competitive retirement plan, discounts at 1,900+ retail brands, great gym offers, and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for emotional, legal, and financial support. 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).
Head Chef in City of Westminster employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises outstanding service and meaningful experiences, making it a fantastic place for a Head Chef to thrive. Located at Notting Hill Prep School, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth, offers over 20 diverse benefits including a competitive retirement plan and discounts at numerous retail brands, and fosters collaboration across departments to create memorable culinary experiences for students. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team while enjoying the unique opportunity to innovate within a vibrant school environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨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 Notting Hill Prep School. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on food trends! Being knowledgeable about current culinary trends shows that you're passionate and engaged in the industry. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews and can help you craft innovative menus.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and leading a kitchen shine through. We want to see how excited you are about creating exceptional culinary experiences!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that matches the Head Chef role. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs at Notting Hill Prep School.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without any 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 this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with current food trends and have a few innovative menu ideas ready to share. This shows your passion for culinary excellence and your ability to keep things fresh and exciting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your team, especially during busy service times. This will demonstrate your strong leadership abilities.
✨Understand the Importance of Safety and Hygiene
Familiarise yourself with allergen information and hygiene standards. Be ready to talk about how you ensure these are maintained in your kitchen. This is crucial for delivering safe and high-quality culinary experiences.
✨Communicate Effectively
Highlight your communication skills, especially in managing team rotas and liaising with other departments. Discuss how you handle daily briefings and ensure everyone is on the same page, which is key to running a successful kitchen.
