At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create exceptional food experiences for students and staff.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values individuality and purpose-driven work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, career growth, and mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join Our Team as an Executive Head Chef – Make an Impact Every Day
Location: St Leonards School, 10 The Pends, St Andrews. KY16 9QJ
Days/Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7 predominantly Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 40hrs
Salary: Circa £43,000 - £45,000, with excellent benefits
We are looking for a talented and inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at St Leonards School in St Andrews. This is a high-profile, hands-on role where you will act as the culinary figurehead on site, driving standards, creativity and excellence across core feeding, retail and hospitality. You will lead a team delivering food for approximately 500 students and staff, alongside occasional fine dining and summer events.
This role requires a chef with a strong hospitality background, capable of balancing quality-led, restaurant-standard food with the demands of a busy school environment. Working closely with the client, you will be highly visible, building relationships and bringing innovation to the food offer while maintaining strong financial and operational control.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate “foodie” who thrives on developing teams, creating exceptional food experiences, and delivering consistent excellence.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coordinate and direct all culinary activities in St Leonards and other locations in which we are asked to cater including supporting the team within the boarding houses.
- Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.
- Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo’s revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities, labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail operations.
- Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
- Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships.
- Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchens and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.
- Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.
What You’ll Bring
- NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent.
- Strong level of literacy and numeracy.
- Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player.
- Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times.
- Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade.
- Clear, strong and effective leadership style.
- Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to set and maintain standards.
- Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches.
- PC literate.
- Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification.
What We Offer
At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
- A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
- Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
- An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
- Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.
- Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.
- A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.
Ready to Be Part of Something Greater? If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.
Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).
Executive Head Chef – School Dining & Innovation employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where your culinary creativity can flourish while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students at St Leonards School. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, you will be supported in your journey to deliver outstanding food experiences in a dynamic school environment. Join us to be part of a team that values individuality and empowers you to succeed on your own terms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef – School Dining & Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in school dining. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo of your culinary creations. This is a great way to showcase your talent and creativity directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be visible! Attend industry events, workshops, or culinary fairs. Engaging with others in the field not only helps you learn but also puts you on the radar of hiring managers looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Sodexo, where we value passion and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef – School Dining & Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for culinary arts shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create exceptional food experiences, especially in a school environment.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Executive Head Chef and how you can bring innovation to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
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 this exciting opportunity at St Leonards School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the school's mission. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating innovative menus that cater to a diverse group of students while maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing staff, as well as how you handle performance issues. This role requires strong leadership, so be sure to convey your style and successes.
✨Understand the Client Relationship
Research the school and its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would build and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration and communication in a school dining environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of budget management and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed food costs and maximised revenue opportunities. This role involves financial oversight, so showcasing your skills here will be crucial.
