At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and manage food services across multiple countries.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader improving Quality of Life in 55 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 20+ perks, gym discounts, and 24/7 support.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Must have exemplary culinary skills and 2+ years as a Head Chef.
- Other info: Sodexo values inclusivity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary culinary leader ready to shape the future of food across a prestigious global account? Sodexo is seeking an EMEA Executive Chef to join our senior leadership team. In this high-impact role, you'll lead menu innovation, drive profitability, ensure compliance, and embed best practices across multiple countries. Collaborate with global partners, support local teams, and influence culinary and supply chain strategies—all while delivering exceptional experiences to our clients and customers. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
Main Responsibilities:
- Work within the central framework to devise cyclic menus for all Microsoft EMEA sites, considering demographic mix, price elasticity, and supplier availability.
- Analyze and interpret local and regional trends to facilitate planning and menu development.
- Manage, analyze, and develop each site's food P&L, maximizing revenue, controlling costs, and delivering exceptional food and customer service.
- Understand Sodexo retail ranging policy and ensure each site has a complementary retail item range at Sodexo managed RRP where applicable.
- Devise a culinary training pathway with the central food team and SMEs to train new recruits, enhance skills, and develop a high-performing team.
- Monitor customer VOC related to food, develop action plans to address issues, and recognize outstanding team members.
- Act as the account SME across EMEA for Drive, managing menus, pricing, reporting, operations, training, and compliance, and communicate feedback to the central team.
- Ensure correct use of the Lean Path food waste monitoring system and organize training/support as needed.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Exemplary culinary skills
- Minimum 2 years experience as a Head Chef or Group Head Chef in a major blue chip or FMCG organization
- Strong financial awareness and cost control skills
- Understanding of food safety and hygiene practices
- Retail experience
- Excellent communication skills
- IT proficiency
- Customer service skills
- Leadership and team development abilities
- Experience in client/contractor environments
Package Description:
Competitive Salary. Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You belong in a company and team that values you for who you are; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your actions; and you'll thrive in your own way. We also offer 20+ Sodexo benefits, including retirement plans, discounts at over 1,900 brands, gym discounts, and a 24/7 employee assistance program for support with life's obstacles, including emotional, legal, and financial advice.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
About The Company:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As a global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers daily through our services in On-Site Food and FM, Benefits & Rewards, and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to building a future workplace, valuing diversity and inclusivity. We welcome applications from underrepresented backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Leader employer, dedicated to accessibility and equal opportunity.
EMEA Executive Chef employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the culinary industry, especially those who have experience in EMEA markets. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company culture at Sodexo.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current food trends and sustainability practices in the EMEA region. Being knowledgeable about local preferences and innovative culinary techniques will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive menu innovation effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management in a culinary context. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maximised revenue and controlled costs in previous roles, as this is crucial for the EMEA Executive Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any experience you have in training and developing teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented training programmes or improved team performance in past positions.
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and relevant experience, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in menu innovation, cost control, and team development to align with the responsibilities of the EMEA Executive Chef position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary excellence and your vision for food innovation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage food P&L effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience as a Head Chef or Group Head Chef in major organisations. Include examples of how you've successfully managed food operations, trained staff, and improved customer satisfaction.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership abilities by providing examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and influenced culinary strategies. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration across multiple countries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision
As an EMEA Executive Chef, it's crucial to demonstrate your innovative culinary ideas. Prepare to discuss how you would approach menu development and how you can adapt to different cultural preferences across the EMEA region.
✨Highlight Financial Acumen
Given the importance of managing food P&L, be ready to share specific examples of how you've maximised revenue and controlled costs in previous roles. This will show your understanding of financial strategies in a culinary context.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Sodexo values strong leadership, so prepare to discuss your experience in developing high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've trained new recruits and fostered a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Understanding customer feedback is key in this role. Be prepared to talk about how you've previously addressed customer concerns and improved service quality based on their input. This shows your commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.