At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen, inspire your team, and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values passion and purpose in the kitchen.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, no unsociable hours, and public holidays off.
- Other info: Access to mental health support, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through food and leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.9 - 13.9 £ per hour.
Location: West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Rd, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 5DP
Salary: £13.90 per hour
Hours: 35 Hours a week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 2.30pm
Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Chef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off-including Christmas!
What You'll Do:
- Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard
- Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture
- Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs
- Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students
- Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting
- Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations
What You Bring:
- Essential: Experience cooking on a large scale (100-1300 students)
- Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
- Prior staff supervision or line management experience
- Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
- Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
- Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
- Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
- Hold basic food handling certifications, including: NVQ Level 2, Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- At least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)
What We Offer:
- A dynamic and supportive work environment
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Full training and protective uniform provided
- No unsociable hours and public holidays off-including Christmas!
- Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
- Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
- Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
- Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn't just a job-it's a chance to be part of something bigger. If you're ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you! Apply today and help us create a brighter future!
Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook / Chef - Wirral
✨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 Cook / Chef - Wirral
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!
