At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and develop exciting retail food concepts at Merville Barracks.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in Defence Retail Catering with a focus on great food experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free parking, mental health support, and lifestyle rewards.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Combine your culinary creativity with leadership to shape the future of Defence catering.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail food concepts and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 38500 £ per year.
40 hours per week Monday - Friday with some weekend working. Shifts are between 06:00 - 22:30 depending on work schedule. Up to 38,500 per annum. Free car parking. Sodexo rewards and benefits.
Job Introduction: Lead Innovation. Inspire People. Shape the Future of Defence Retail Catering. Ready to take your culinary career beyond the kitchen? At Sodexo Merville Barracks, Colchester, we believe great food creates great experiences. We're looking for a Contract Retail Development Chef to lead the development of innovative retail and mobile catering concepts across Merville Barracks. This is far more than a traditional chef role. It's an opportunity to combine your culinary creativity with commercial awareness and people leadership, developing exciting food concepts that drive business growth and enhance the customer experience. From launching street food concepts and branded retail offers to mentoring teams and influencing retail strategy, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of Defence catering.
What you'll do: As Contract Retail Development Chef, you'll lead innovation across our retail catering operation while ensuring exceptional standards, commercial success and operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include:
- Creating and launching exciting retail food concepts, from street food and grab-and-go offers to branded catering experiences.
- Leading the development of our mobile Airstream catering trailer and retail offer.
- Developing commercially successful menus that deliver against sales, GP and budget targets.
- Using market trends and customer insight to continuously evolve our food offer.
- Working collaboratively with operational teams, clients and stakeholders to deliver sustainable business growth.
- Mentoring and developing chefs and catering colleagues to support learning and progression.
- Driving promotional activity, seasonal campaigns and retail initiatives.
- Promoting new concepts through engaging culinary storytelling and social media.
- Championing food safety, health & safety and compliance across all operations.
- Building long-term client relationships while representing Sodexo professionally at all times.
What you bring: We're looking for an experienced chef with a passion for innovation and commercial success. Experience developing successful retail food concepts, branded offers or contemporary dining experiences. A strong understanding of menu development, food trends and consumer behaviour. Commercial awareness with experience delivering sales, gross profit and budget targets. Excellent leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor and inspire others. Strong knowledge of food safety, health & safety and compliance. Experience building positive client and customer relationships. Good IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and catering systems. A recognised Food Safety qualification (Level 4 desirable). Experience promoting food brands through social media and examples of culinary content or campaigns would be an advantage.
What we offer: Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
- Mental health & wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice.
- 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards.
- Discounts for you & family.
- Financial tools & retirement plan.
- Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Retail Development Chef - Colchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Sodexo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Retail Development Chef - Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Sodexo and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
