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- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence across UK dining operations and collaborate with top chefs.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dining experiences while fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience in culinary operations required.
- Other info: Full-time role with travel, offering excellent career growth and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate culinary professional to ensure operational excellence across UK-based kitchen and dining operations on a high-profile client contract. This national role works closely with Chef Managers, Head Chefs, General Managers, and senior stakeholders to deliver consistently high-quality staff dining and hospitality services. You will act as a subject-matter expert and operational support lead, driving culinary standards, food safety, efficiency, and consistency across the UK portfolio while fostering a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Head Chefs to design, cost, and standardise staff dining and hospitality menus.
- Deliver events and themed days in line with the Sodexo marketing calendar, including menu execution, displays, and operational support.
- Partner with the Digital Communications Team to ensure accurate and timely operational content supports marketing activity.
- Lead the implementation of UK-wide culinary initiatives aligned with central Sodexo and EMEA Executive Chef direction.
- Support General Managers with chef training, development, and the embedding of operational best practice.
- Champion a consistent, high-quality food and drink brand in partnership with the UK Account Manager and EMEA Executive Chef.
- Lead by example in food safety, allergen management, and health & safety compliance, ensuring audit readiness.
- Drive waste reduction through monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support efficient, safe, and compliant kitchen set‑ups across all sites.
- Act as the first escalation point for supplier and vendor issues, ensuring compliance, quality standards, allergen controls, and credit resolution.
- Provide flexible UK-wide operational cover for Head Chefs to support business continuity.
- Ensure consistent operational standards across the UK portfolio, including DRIVe system compliance and additional training for site leads.
- Conduct six‑monthly stock management and operational reviews, covering cleanliness, compliance, allergen segregation, and cost control.
- Provide management support on HR matters, including investigations and grievances where required.
- Work with operational teams to achieve "Green" Safeguard audits (90%+) and "5 Star" local authority ratings.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 4 (Senior Culinary Chef) or equivalent professional experience.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Strong background in multi‑site culinary or foodservice operations.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Passionate about culinary excellence, service quality, and operational standards.
- Strong organisational, auditing, and problem‑solving capability.
- Committed to building long‑term relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers.
Job Details
- Full time
- Monday‑Friday
- UK - National Role (Regular Travel Required)
- Up to £60,000 per annum plus our Sodexo employee benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development.
Benefits
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support.
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing.
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service.
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family).
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Sodexo UK and Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies.
A little more about Sodexo: At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
Operational Excellence Dining Lead in City of Westminster employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Dining Lead in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the culinary world! Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance, showcase your culinary expertise! Whether it’s through a cooking demo, a food blog, or even social media, let your passion for food shine. We want to see your creativity and skills in action, so don’t hold back!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their operational excellence. We love candidates who come prepared and can demonstrate their knowledge of culinary standards and food safety.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Dining Lead in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operational Excellence Dining Lead role. Highlight your culinary expertise, leadership experience, and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about culinary excellence and how your background aligns with our mission at Sodexo. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can effectively collaborate and build relationships!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Culinary Standards
Make sure you brush up on the culinary standards and food safety regulations relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these in past positions, as this will show your expertise and commitment to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with chefs, managers, or other teams. Highlighting your ability to foster a culture of collaboration will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like supplier issues or compliance audits. Practise articulating your problem-solving approach and how you would ensure high-quality service under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss initiatives you've led or participated in that focused on efficiency and waste reduction. Showing your enthusiasm for continuous improvement will align perfectly with the company's values and expectations.
