Deputy Chef Manager

Deputy Chef Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and deliver 400-600 high-quality meals daily.
  • Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life.
  • Benefits: Enjoy wellbeing support, discounts, and ongoing career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, creative kitchen environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong communication, and organisational skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Catering Manager to join our Sodexo team at the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery. You'll play a key role in leading kitchen operations, supporting the Chef Manager, and ensuring the delivery of 400-600 high‐quality meals per day to our clients and colleagues. From managing food standards and safety to driving creativity in menu planning, this is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in a fast‐paced, high‐volume environment.

  • Support the Chef Manager in planning, producing, and delivering daily meals and catering events to the highest standard.
  • Lead by example, ensuring food quality, safety, and presentation meet Sodexo and client expectations.
  • Oversee and support kitchen staff, promoting teamwork, training, and professional development.
  • Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, COSHH, and HACCP requirements.
  • Assist in menu planning, recipe costing, and stock control using Sodexo's Recipe Online and Chef's Work systems.
  • Monitor food production, portion control, and waste reduction to maintain cost efficiency.
  • Conduct and record regular temperature checks for all kitchen equipment and food storage areas.
  • Support audits for cook‐chill production and ensure corrective actions are completed.
  • Liaise with suppliers, ensuring deliveries meet quality standards and goods are stored correctly on a first‐in, first‐out basis.
  • Assist in the management of kitchen budgets, labour control, and purchasing within agreed financial targets.
  • Lead daily team briefings, ensuring clear communication of menus, promotions, and service expectations.
  • Contribute to staff training programmes, appraisals, and compliance with Sodexo standards and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and well‐organised kitchen environment at all times.
  • Communicate professionally with clients, customers, and Sodexo colleagues, maintaining strong relationships and positive feedback.
  • Support special catering events and functions as required, occasionally outside normal working hours.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation and excellence across the service.

We're looking for someone who is operationally driven, passionate about great food, and thrives in a team environment.

  • NVQ Level 2 / City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery.
  • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
  • Knowledge of Cook‐Chill Catering and HACCP principles.
  • IOSH Managing Safely (or similar qualification).
  • Strong organisational and delegation skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Proven ability to deliver high‐volume catering (400‐600 meals per day).
  • Proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering outstanding customer service.

Desirable:

  • RIPHH Certificate or equivalent food hygiene qualification.
  • Experience managing in a contract catering or industrial site environment.
  • Creative flair for menu planning, healthy eating, and sustainability.

Why Choose Sodexo? Working with Sodexo is more than just a job – it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong to a team that values you for who you are, empowers you to make an impact, and helps you thrive.

About Sodexo: At Sodexo, our purpose is simple – to create a better everyday for everyone, to build a better life for all. We are the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, operating in 55 countries and serving over 100 million people daily across Food, Facilities Management, and Benefits & Rewards Services. We're proud to be an inclusive, forces‐friendly, and Disability Confident Leader employer, welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences. Join our colleague networks – Pride, Parents & Carers, Disability Ability, SoTogether, Generations, Origins – and help shape a workplace where everyone belongs.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Benefits:

  • Unlimited access to wellbeing support through our online platform.
  • 24/7 virtual GP service.
  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (including legal and financial advice).
  • Sodexo Discounts Scheme – savings with leading retailers for you and your family.
  • Membership in our Pension Plan.
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Enhanced benefits and leave policies for colleagues across the UK & Ireland.

Deputy Chef Manager employer: Sodexo

Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture at the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery. With access to unlimited wellbeing support, ongoing learning opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued. Join a team that not only delivers high-quality meals but also champions innovation and excellence in catering services.
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Contact Detail:

Sodexo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Chef Manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Sodexo's values and mission. This will help you align your answers with what they care about, showing you're a perfect fit for their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to kitchen management and food safety. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience in delivering high-quality meals and managing teams.

Tip Number 3

Show off your creativity! Be ready to share some innovative menu ideas or improvements you've made in past roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your passion for great food and how you can contribute to Sodexo's success.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team dynamics. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if this is the right place for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chef Manager

Leadership Skills
Food Safety Knowledge
Menu Planning
Team Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Budget Management
HACCP Compliance
Cook-Chill Catering Knowledge
Customer Service Orientation
Creativity in Menu Development
Adaptability
Training and Development Skills
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about creating amazing meals.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous roles and responsibilities that align with the Deputy Chef Manager position. Talk about your experience in high-volume catering and any leadership roles you've had. We’re keen to see how your background fits with our needs!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Sodexo.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, familiarise yourself with Sodexo's menu offerings and any recent trends in catering. Be ready to discuss how you would approach menu planning and incorporate creativity while ensuring food quality and safety.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Chef Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff, promoted teamwork, and contributed to their professional development in previous roles.

Understand Food Safety Regulations

Brush up on your knowledge of Health & Safety, Food Safety, COSHH, and HACCP requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a high-volume kitchen environment and how you handle audits and corrective actions.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality

Sodexo values outstanding customer service and high-quality meals. Share your experiences that highlight your commitment to delivering exceptional food and service, and be ready to discuss how you would maintain these standards in a fast-paced setting.

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